packthread
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of packthread
First recorded in 1300–50, packthread is from the Middle English word pakthrede. See pack 1, thread
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.
She would never be without some piece of packthread to twist in her hands, some napkin to tie in knots, some paper or wood to chew.
From Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and Travels, Vol. I (of 2) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Tie them with packthread, and stew them in a little broth, a glass of white wine, salt, pepper, an onion stuck with cloves, a carrot, and a parsnip.
From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Lady Charlotte Campbell Bury
In falling, Bill had struck the chain-span of the weather-quarter davits, breaking it as if it had been packthread.
From Sunshine Bill by William Henry Giles Kingston
I immediately made two close sutures; and also two others in the skin, on each side, adapting to them two pieces of packthread, more easily to fix the dressings.
From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Franklin Bache
Well, Sir, that imp there winds her round her finger like a piece of packthread.
From Luttrell Of Arran Complete by Charles James Lever
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.
