clothespin

[ klohz-pin, klohth z-, klohs- ]

/ ˈkloʊzˌpɪn, ˈkloʊðz-, ˈkloʊs- /

a device, such as a forked piece of wood or plastic, for fastening articles to a clothesline.

Origin of clothespin

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; clothes + pin

On his feet, he looked like a clothes-pin with the face of the strangest old child.

Dwellers in the Hills |Melville Davisson Post
Her head is set on her neck like a clothes-pin, only she is squattier than a clothes-pin.

A Voice in the Wilderness |Grace Livingston Hill
Not that I am the author of the clothes-wringing machine, or of the spring clothes-pin,—my influence has been more subtile.

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 83, September, 1864 |Various
Look here, what YOU want ain't a pen, but a clothes-pin and a split nail!

Cressy |Bret Harte

As I passed this party, I saw behind the lady's chair a maid, with a clothes-pin in her hand, and no nose.

Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag VI |Louisa M. Alcott