Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An instrument formerly used to adjust the plaits of ruffs.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun A small stick or rod of steel, formerly used in adjusting the plaits of ruffs.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • There was also something about a "poking-stick"a stick with the sole purpose of jabbing people but I forget what that was all about...

    About Mysteries Shirley Damsgaard 2009

  • Keep this in mind next time you think about picking up the poking-stick.

    random thoughts on human behavior suricattus 2005

  • "I'll attend to it myself," said George, rising from his chair, at one end of the big fireplace, and stirring the glowing coals in the brick oven with the hard-wood "poking-stick."

    Little Grandmother Sophie May 1869

  • P. 14, l. 10, poating sticke.] -- Or _poking-stick_, an instrument for setting the plaits of ruffs.

    Kemps Nine Daies Wonder Performed in a Daunce from London to Norwich William Kemp 1833

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