corking pin

corking pin

English

Noun

corking pin (plural corking pins)

1. (obsolete) A large pin used to attach a woman's headdress to a cork mould.
   • December 1 1720, Jonathan Swift, a letter of advice to a young poet

     There is a certain little instrument, the first of those in use with scholars, and the meanest, considering the materials of it, whether it be a joint of wheaten straw (the old Arcadian pipe) or just three inches of slender wire, or a stripped feather, or a corking pin. Farthermore, this same diminutive tool, for the posture of it, usually reclines its head on the thumb of the right hand, sustains the foremost finger upon its breast, and is itself supported by the second.

   • 1735, Unknown, "Kick him Jenny, a merry tale":

     Her petticoats he o'er hed head throws,

     And pins 'em tight unto the bed-cloathes,

     With two great corking-pins he brought,

     On purpose for't - a lucky thought!

   • 1785, William Cowper, letter, 15 December:

     Give me a great corking pin that I may stick your faith upon my sleeve.