corking pin

plural corking pins

1. obsoleteA large pin used to attach a woman's headdress to a cork mould.

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

   1785, William Cowper, letter, 15 December

   2 more examples

   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.

   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!

   1735, Unknown, Kick him Jenny, a merry tale