noun / adjective
gimlet
A small pointed hand tool that bores into material.
She twists a gimlet into the wood to make a hole.
Etymology
The Old French word names a small boring tool. English retains that implement sense for a pointed hand tool turned to make a narrow hole.
More examples
- Use a gimlet to start the hole before inserting the screw.
- The toolbox holds two gimlets with wooden handles.
- Her gimlet gaze makes him hesitate before answering.
Forms
gimlet · gimlets