Meaning of winkle-hawk | Babel Free

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