chink

views updated May 23 2018

chink1 / chingk/ • n. a narrow opening or crack, typically one that admits light: a chink in the curtains. ∎  a narrow beam or patch of light admitted by such an opening: I noticed a chink of light under the door.PHRASES: a chink in someone's armor a weak point in someone's character, arguments, or ideas, making them vulnerable to attack or criticism.chink2 • v. make or cause to make a light and high-pitched ringing sound, as of glasses or coins striking together: [intr.] the chain joining the handcuffs chinked | [tr.] they chinked glasses and kissed. • n. a high-pitched ringing sound: the chink of glasses.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

Chink

views updated May 18 2018

Chink / chingk/ • n. inf., offens. a Chinese person.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

chink

views updated May 14 2018

chink. Gap between the timbers of a log-house: to chink is to fill those gaps up (see caulking).

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

chink

views updated May 18 2018

chink 1 fissure; slit. XVI. rel. in some way, as yet undetermined, to CHINE 1.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

chink

views updated May 23 2018

chink 2 make a sharp ringing sound. XVI. imit.
Hence as sb. XVI.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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