definitions

tinker's dam

noun

tinker's damn.
(in plumbing) a barrier for retaining molten solder within a certain area until it has cooled.

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Nearby words

tinia, tinian, tinker, tinker with, tinker's cuss, tinker's dam, tinker's damn, tinker's weed, tinkerman, tinkertoy, tinkle

Origin of tinker's dam

First recorded in 1875–80

Definition for tinker's dam (2 of 2)

tinker's damn

or tinker's dam

noun

the least value or merit; nothing or anything at all: It's not worth a tinker's damn.

Origin of tinker's damn

First recorded in 1830–40; from tinkers' alleged habit of cursing frequently (hence weakening the force of a curse)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for tinker's dam

tinker's damn

tinker's cuss

noun

slang the slightest heed (esp in the phrase not give a tinker's damn or cuss)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012