pinchbeck
Americannoun
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an alloy of copper and zinc, used in imitation of gold.
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something sham, spurious, or counterfeit.
adjective
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made of pinchbeck.
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sham, spurious, or counterfeit.
pinchbeck heroism.
noun
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an alloy of copper and zinc, used as imitation gold
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a spurious or cheap imitation; sham
adjective
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made of pinchbeck
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sham, spurious, or cheap
Etymology
Origin of pinchbeck
1725–35; named after Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), English watchmaker and its inventor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lavis lived in Pinchbeck, near Spalding, with his wife and son, where he wrote and recorded music in his home studio.
From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025
He’s a legendary figure in league circles who for years pretty much assembled the schedule in his head, just as predecessor Val Pinchbeck did for decades.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025
There were many years when the late, great Val Pinchbeck would put it together then go down to Augusta to enjoy the Masters, and that tournament was in the books two weeks ago.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2025
Inside, there were displays of timepieces from labels that have received international attention, including Christopher Ward and Fears, alongside many less well-known brands, such as Geckota, Isotope Watches, Pinchbeck and Pinion.
From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2024
Pinchbeck pins were stuck into cravats that were all torn.
From Sentimental Education Vol 1 by Flaubert, Gustave
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
