1. a sharp, pointed instrument used for making holes in cloth or leather
2. a long, thin needle without an eye, used for drawing tape or cord through a hem or casing
3. a long hairpin or ornamental pin
Usage: archaic

Examples

• She used a bodkin to punch holes in the leather belt.
• The seamstress threaded the elastic through the waistband with a bodkin.
• A sharp bodkin made quick work of creating eyelets in the fabric.
• The tailor kept several bodkins in his sewing kit.
• She carefully inserted the bodkin through the hem to guide the drawstring.
• The antique bodkin was decorated with intricate silver work.