ˈear-ˌpick, -ˈpicker
[f. ear n.1]
An instrument for clearing the ear of wax, etc.; also fig.
| 1483 Cath. Angl. 116 An Erepyke, aurifricium. 1568 Richmond. Wills (1853) 227 To James Gybson my godson..one silver ear pick. 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Vne cure oreille, an eare picker. 1592 Lyly Midas v. ii. 63, I protest by cissars, brush & combe; bason ball & apron; by razor, earepike & rubbing clothes. 1614 T. Adams in Spurgeon Treas. Dav. Ps. xxvi. 10 Alas! poor truth, that she must now be put to the charge of a golden earpick, or she cannot be heard. 1634 S. Rowley Noble Sold. ii. i, Is the king at leisure..to heare a Souldier speake. I am no eare-picker To sound his hearing that way. 1700 Transactioneer 21 He Acts all the uncouth Faces, of a Transactioneer pausing over a China Earpicker. 1825 Hone Every-day Bk. I. 1255 Tweezers with an ear-pick. |