Definition

1. Noun:
   • A blunt needle for threading ribbon or cord: A tool with a large eye, used to draw ribbons, tapes, or cords through casings, loops, or hems.
   • A small, sharp-pointed tool for making holes: A pointed instrument used for piercing holes in leather, fabric, or other materials.
   • A long ornamental hairpin: Historically, a decorative pin used to secure hair in a coiffure.
   • A small, slender dagger: A pointed weapon with a narrow blade.

Examples

• Noun:
  • She used a bodkin to thread the elastic through the waistband of the skirt.
  • The leatherworker punched holes for the laces with a bodkin.
  • Her hair was held in place with a jeweled bodkin.
  • The assassin concealed a bodkin in his sleeve.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit bodkin": An archaic idiom meaning to sit squeezed between two other people in a carriage or other small seat.
  • In the crowded coach, the smallest passenger had to sit bodkin.

Variants and Related Words

• Awl (n): A pointed tool for making small holes, especially in wood or leather. (More specific to carpentry/leatherwork than fabric).
• Stiletto (n): A short dagger with a slender blade; also a type of high heel. (Shares the "slender blade" meaning).

Synonyms

• Blunt needle: Threader, tape needle.
• Piercing tool: Awl, punch, pricker.
• Hairpin: Pin, hair needle.
• Dagger: Stiletto, dirk, poniard.

Related Phrases

• None commonly used as phrasal verbs.

Related Idioms

• "To sit bodkin": As defined in Advanced Usage.

Noun

1. a blunt needle for threading ribbon through loops
2. a small sharp-pointed tool for punching holes in leather or fabric
3. formerly a long hairpin; usually with an ornamental head
4. a dagger with a slender blade