winkle-hawk

Definitions

A rectangular tear or cut in clothing or any other fabric, shaped like a try square.

New-York, obsolete, rare

Examples

“The spekilation ha'n't turned out just so good as I expected, but it might have⟳ been worse ; anyhow, it's a comfort to walk⟳ off without a winkle-hawk in one's character for 'cuteness.”

“1908 November 11, "Hahne & Co." (advertisement), Elizabeth Daily Journal, evening edition, page 4. NOTE⟳—Some are slightly imperfect through mill stains or “winkle hawks”—hardly noticeable.”

“And if out of our experiences we create⟳ no more pretentious effort than a hand-book on "The Care of Cutlery," or "The Preservation of Tin Roofs," or "The Mending of Winkle-hawks in Youth's Clothing," we are sure of appreciative readers, and for consolation for what may seem lack of the artistic we will have⟳ our regular, continuous royalty payments.”

“You've said yourself that everything you own's got some kind of a winkle hawk patched over in the seat.”

“Some broken harness to be mended, a loose door to be hinged, two saddles that needed oiling, and a mass of untidy canvas to be inspected for rents and winkle-hawks.”

CEFR level