Bodikin, spelled as /ˈbɒdɪkɪn/, is a rare word that originated from the Middle English period. It refers to a small dagger or a short sword. The word has been used in literature by Shakespeare and is often associated with the play "Hamlet". The phonetic transcription of the word shows that it starts with a stressed "bo" sound, followed by an unstressed "di" sound, and ends with a stressed "kin" sound. Even though the word is not commonly used, it still holds its significance in history and literature.
A bodikin is a somewhat archaic term that can refer to two distinct meanings. The first definition of bodikin refers to a small dagger or a short sword. Originating from the Middle English word "bodkin," meaning a small, sharp instrument, a bodikin was typically used as a weapon for self-defense or in close combat. In historical contexts, bodikins were commonly carried by individuals of high status, such as nobles or knights, for personal protection. It is often associated with the medieval period.
The second definition of bodikin pertains to a small cylindrical object used in sewing or needlework. In this context, a bodikin refers to a thin tube or needle used for various purposes, including inserting or extracting threads, making eyelets, or threading ribbons through garments. This type of bodikin is typically made of metal or bone and has a pointed end, facilitating its use in delicate tasks associated with sewing or embroidery.
While the term bodikin may have fallen out of common use in modern times, it is still encountered in literature or historical writings, providing readers with a glimpse into weaponry or needlework practices of the past.
The word "bodkin" is derived from the Middle English term "boden" or "bodekin" which first appeared in the 14th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "bôti" meaning "small tool" or "awl". "Bodikin" is a diminutive form of "bodkin", and it was introduced into English around the 16th century. Over time, the term "bodikin" came to refer specifically to a small dagger or a kind of pointed tool used for piercing holes in fabric or leather.