Bodkin: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿงต
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bodkin

 

[หˆbษ’dkษชn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sewing tool

A bodkin is a small, pointed needle or a sharp instrument used for piercing holes in fabric or leather. It is often used to thread cord or ribbon through materials. The bodkin is designed to make the process of sewing or crafting easier by allowing access to tighter spaces without damaging the fabric. Historically, bodkins were also used in hair styling to pin hair in place.

Synonyms

awler, needle, piercer.

Examples of usage

  • She used a bodkin to thread the ribbon through the fabric.
  • The ancient bodkin was made from bone.
  • With the bodkin, it became easier to sew intricate designs.
  • He carefully inserted the bodkin into the leather to make a hole.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bodkin' comes from the Old English word 'bลc,' which means a thin piece of wood or a little stick.
  • In Middle English, it was referred to as 'bodkin' to describe a small pointed tool used in sewing and embroidery.

Cultural Significance

  • During the Renaissance, bodkins were not only used for sewing but also became popular as hair pins for hairstyles.
  • In various cultures, bodkins were often made from different materials, from metal to bone, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the term 'bodkin' appears in the famous soliloquy, symbolizing tools of death and the choices of fate.
  • The phrase 'the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' speaks to the unpredictability of life, with 'bodkin' representing a sharp instrument amid those challenges.

Science & Technology

  • Bodkins are used in various textile technologies, aiding in making intricate fabrics where precision threading is essential.
  • Modern variations of bodkins are designed with ergonomic features to comfortably assist with sewing for prolonged periods.

Artisan Crafts

  • Bodkins are essential tools for those involved in embroidery and needlework, as they help create and strengthen seams.
  • Craftsmen often personalize bodkins, adding decorations like carved handles, showing that even functional tools can be beautiful.

Translations

Translations of the word "bodkin" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น agulha de bordado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅ‹เคกเคผเค•เคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bodkin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jarum halus

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะพะปะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ igล‚a

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒœใƒ‰ใ‚ญใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท aiguille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ aguja

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ince iฤŸne

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณด๋“œํ‚จ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุจุฑุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jehla

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ihla

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป†้’ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ igla

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nรกl

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั–ะณั–ั ะธะฝะตัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒ”แƒ›แƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ iynษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ aguja

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,636, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.