A name given to a shoemaker, in allusion to Crispinus or St. Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers; also sometimes adopted by the members of trades-unions or benefit societies of shoemakers. St. Crispin’s lance: a shoemaker’s awl.
[1611. Cotgr., s.v. Crespin, Lance de S. Crespin, an Awle.]
c. 1645. Howell, Lett. (1650), I. 417. A good shoemaker that can manage St. Crispin’s lance handsomely.
1726. Amherst, Terræ Filius, x. 47. What a pretty set of tradesmen … should we have … if gentle crispin was appointed to teach the art and mystery of basket-making.
1756. W. Toldervy, Hist. Two Orphans, IV. 7. In company with an honest crispin who dealt very considerably in politicks.
a. 1845. Hood, My Son & Heir, xix. A Crispin he shall not be made.
