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

See Examples For:

spillikins

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 ● May 19, 2012

"Hammett gave murder back to the people who commit it," said Chandler, who found the details of British mysteries as unexciting as "spillikins in the parlor."

From Time Magazine Archive

At the Prime Minister's right, Sir John Elphinspoon, no longer agitated, but sustained and dignified by the responsibility of his office, was playing spillikins.

From Winsome Winnie and other New Nonsense Novels by Leacock, Stephen

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 Robert Elsmere by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

I throw in this explanation of "spillikins" to fill up a somewhat long and painful pause during which Cai and 'Bias without speech slowly questioned one another.

From Hocken and Hunken by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir