from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bodkin \Bod"kin\ (b[o^]d"k[i^]n), n. [OE. boydekyn dagger; of
uncertain origin; cf. W. bidog hanger, short sword, Ir.
bideog, Gael. biodag.]
1. A dagger. [Obs.]
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When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin. --Shak.
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2. (Needlework) An implement of steel, bone, ivory, etc.,
with a sharp point, for making holes by piercing; a
stiletto; an eyeleteer.
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3. (Print.) A sharp tool, like an awl, used for picking out
letters from a column or page in making corrections.
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4. A kind of needle with a large eye and a blunt point, for
drawing tape, ribbon, etc., through a loop or a hem; a
tape needle.
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Wedged whole ages in a bodkin's eye. --Pope.
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5. A kind of pin used by women to fasten the hair.
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{To sit}, {ride}, or {travel bodkin}, to sit closely wedged
between two persons. [Colloq.] --Thackeray.
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