spillikins

British  

/ ˈspɪlɪkɪnz /

noun

1. Also called: jackstraws.  (functioning as singular) a game in which players try to pick each spillikin from a heap without moving any of the others

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Etymology

Origin of spillikins

C18: from _spill ² + diminutive ending. See _-kin

Example Sentences

And on the floor nearby is a heap of maulsticks arranged like spillikins, or pick-up sticks – remove one and the whole circle would be disturbed.

From The Guardian

“It’s all in spillikins in the back garden.”

From Project Gutenberg

So there was the situation till the war of Ninety-three came along to jumble us all up and knock everything to spillikins.

From Project Gutenberg

Then on another evening we might encourage the men to play progressive games like draughts, halma, picture lotto, spillikins, ping-pong, and beggar-my-neighbour.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Leyburn's mind was just now playing the part of spillikins, and the vicar's wife was shaking it vigorously, though with occasional qualms as to the lawfulness of the process.

From Project Gutenberg