The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #91387   Message #1738038
Posted By: Amos
11-May-06 - 11:21 AM
Thread Name: BS: Shakespeare reincarnated as....
Subject: RE: BS: Shakespeare reincarnated as....
bod·kin (bdkn)
n.
1. A small, sharply pointed instrument for making holes in fabric or leather.
2. A blunt needle for pulling tape or ribbon through a series of loops or a hem.
3. A long hairpin, usually with an ornamental head.
4. Printing An awl or pick for extracting letters from set type.
5. A dagger or stiletto.

I know of no reference that bodkin means "body" in any context.

If anyone else knows any references for such use in fact I'd be interested. I thinkk it is a misunderstanding of a term largely obsolete.

A