bodkin

noun

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bod·kin | \ ˈbäd-kən

Definition of bodkin

1a : dagger, stiletto

b : a sharp slender instrument for making holes in cloth

c : an ornamental hairpin shaped like a stiletto

2 : a blunt needle with a large eye for drawing tape or ribbon through a loop or hem

Examples of bodkin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Punishment for cursing or disparaging a clergyman was having a bodkin — a large needle — driven through the tongue. — Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bodkin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.