A pincushion, or pin cushion, is a small stuffed cushion, typically three to five centimetres across, used in sewing to store pins or needles with their heads left protruding so they can be taken hold of easily, collected and kept organized. Pincushions are usually packed tightly with stuffing to hold pins rigidly in place; magnetic pin cushions serve the same purpose without technically being cushions at all.
Facts
Introduced When (Circa)Middle Ages (Europe); earliest specific record 1376 1 OriginA pin case, an early relative of the pincushion, is recorded in 1376 when Jehanne de Mesnil was bequeathed a silver one in a French text called Testament of Advice, written by a woman known as La Monteure of Rouen. 1 Introduced era (class) Connections
In the Other Atlases
Era Of Origin
Also in History Atlas: the era this subject comes from.
Sources
1. Pincushion (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistory section, opening statement
The recorded origins of pincushions date back to the Middle Ages of Europe.
History section, 1376 pin case bequest
In 1376, Jehanne de Mesnil was bequeathed a silver pin case in a French text called Testament of Advice written by a woman known as La Monteure, from Rouen.
View the Source Dictionary.com: pincushion definition
Dictionary.comIn Group: Hand Sewing Needles and Needle Holders, Definition entryQuote, In Group: Hand Sewing Needles and Needle Holders, Definition entry
a small cushion into which pins are stuck until needed.
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