pinchbeck

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an alloy of copper and zinc that is used in cheap jewelry to imitate gold
adjective serving as an imitation or substitute

Named after Christopher Pinchbeck, an 18th century London watchmaker who developed the alloy.

That's none of your pinchbeck. — Tristram of Blent: An Episode in the Story of an Ancient House, Anthony Hope
They tinkle with their pinchbeck, they jingle with their gold. — Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
There was Brown, and Sanderson, and Pinchbeck; only three letters altogether. — Lady Audley's Secret, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon

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