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pinchbeck

Pronunciation: /ˈpɪn(t)ʃbɛk/

Definition of pinchbeck

noun

[mass noun]
  • an alloy of copper and zinc resembling gold, used in watchmaking and cheap jewellery.

adjective

  • appearing valuable, but actually cheap or tawdry.

Origin:

mid 18th century: named after Christopher Pinchbeck (died 1732), English watchmaker

pinchbeck in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pinchbeck in the US English dictionary

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