Definition of "bodkin" in English

noun

1. A small sharp pointed tool for making holes in cloth or leather.

2. A blunt needle used for threading ribbon or cord through a hem or casing.

3. A hairpin.

4. A dagger.

5. A type of long thin arrowhead.

6. (printing) A sharp tool, like an awl, formerly used for pressing down individual type characters (e.g. letters) from a column or page in making corrections.

adverb

1. Closely wedged between two people.

   • to sit bodkin
   • Moreover, Mr. Jorrocks insisted upon riding bodkin — a very awkward-sized bodkin he was — especially as he would have all three to sit back, so that the conversation might be general.