bodkin

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a dagger with a slender blade
  2. noun formerly a long hairpin; usually with an ornamental head
  3. noun a small sharp-pointed tool for punching holes in leather or fabric

Etymology

From Middle English boydekin (“dagger”), apparently from *boyde, *boide (of unknown [Celtic?] origin) + -kin. Cognate with Scots botkin, boitkin, boikin (“bodkin”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

poniard

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