chink

Definition

A narrow opening such as a fissure or crack.

Etymology

Of uncertain origin, but apparently an extension, with diminutive -k (see more at -ock), of Middle English chine (or, if already suffixed in Middle English, *chinek), from Old English ċine (“a crack, chine, chink”), equivalent to chine + -k.

Example Sentences

• "What a pity they didn’t stop up the chinks and the crannies though, and thrust in a little lint here and there."
• "Yet I did not give way, but settled to wait for the dawn, which must, I knew, be now at hand; for then I thought enough light would come through the chinks of the tomb above to show me how to set to work."
• "Through one cloudless chink, in a black, stormy sky, / Shines out the dewy morning star."