safety pin

¹

noun

1. a pin bent back on itself to form a spring, with a guard to cover the point.

safety-pin

²

[seyf-tee-pin]

verb (used with object)

safety-pinned, safety-pinning 

1. to secure or affix with a safety pin.

   to safety-pin a child's mittens to his coat sleeve.

safety pin

noun

1. a spring wire clasp with a covering catch, made so as to shield the point when closed and to prevent accidental unfastening

2. another word for pin

Word History and Origins

Origin of safety pin¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of safety pin²

First recorded in 1915–20