v.tr. 1 pierce slightly with a sword etc. 2 cut a scalloped or zigzag edge on. 3 (often foll. by out) ornament (leather etc.) with perforations. 4 adorn; deck. pinking shears (or scissors) a dressmaker's serrated shears for cutting a zigzag edge.
[ ME, perh. f. LG or Du.: cf. LG pinken strike, peck ]