Dictionary

bootkin en · NOUN

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰew-der.? Proto-Germanic *bautaną Frankish *bautander.? Old French botebor. Middle English bote English boot English -kin English bootkin From boot + -kin.

Meanings

1. (alt-of, alternative, rare) Alternative form of bootikin (“torture device”).
   alt of bootikin
   • The bootkins were wooden cases in which the legs were thrust, and torture caused by wedging them tightly therein. 1886, John Maclean, Reminiscences of a Clachnacuddin Nonagenarian, page 29:
   • Even as late as 1842 it is reported that the jailhouse contained, and used, many implements of torture — including a cocksteel, a thumbkin, a bootkin and a brangus. 2016, Duncan MacDonald, Inverness - Historic City & Highland Capital, page 24:
   • You need not fear, there will neither be thumbikin nor bootkin come here. Lift up your hearts, for the day of your redemption draweth near. 1988, John C. Johnston, The Prophet of the Covenant, page 105:

Forms