A long knife. [Also ‘California’ and ‘Missouri.’]

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1840.  The young gentleman who borrowed a brace of duelling pistols, and an “Arkansas toothpick,” from our office, is notified, &c.—Daily Pennant (St. Louis), July 20.

2

1855.  We mistrust that the author of that statement saw a Missouri toothpick, and was frightened out of his wits.—Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, Kas., June 9.

3

1856.  He had caught up, unseen by most of the party, his pistols and hunter-knife—the latter a more formidable weapon, only inferior in size and weight to the modern “California toothpick.”—W. G. Simms, ‘Eutaw,’ p. 142.

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1861.  

        I did n’t call but jest on one [Southun genelmun], an’ he drawed toothpick on me,
An’ reckoned he warn’t goin’ to stan’ no sech doggauned econ’my.
Lowell, ‘Biglow Papers,’ 2nd Series, No. 1.    

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1863.  They [the “Border Ruffians”] hastened to Price’s standard in great numbers, having ground from their “Arkansas tooth-picks” the blood-stains of Kansas settlers, to prepare them for fresh duty in their old cause—the cause of revolution and slavery.—O. J. Victor, ‘The History … of the Southern Rebellion,’ ii. 278–9.

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1869.  A brace of faithful pistols in his belt, and a huge “Arkansas toothpick” or bowie-knife, in a leather sheath.—A. K. McClure, ‘Rocky Mountains,’ pp. 376–7.

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