packthread

English

Alternative forms
  • pack-thread

Etymology

pack +‎ thread

Noun

packthread (countable and uncountable, plural packthreads)

  1. (archaic) A strong thread or twine used in tying up parcels.
    • 1895, Susan Coolidge, A Little Country Girl‎:
      It was tied with pink packthread instead of ribbon.
    • 1867, John Lothrop Motley, Project Gutenberg History of The Netherlands, 1555-1623, Complete‎:
      The Hand-bos, a bulwark formed of oaken piles, fastened with metal clamps, moored with iron anchors, and secured by gravel and granite, was snapped to pieces like packthread.
    • 1841, Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge‎:
      In lieu of buckles at his knees, he wore unequal loops of packthread; and in his grimy hands he held a knotted stick, the knob of which was carved into a rough likeness of his own vile face.
Translations
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