Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: guimbelet, probably from Middle Dutch wimmel 'tool for making holes'

gimlet

 noun
     
Related topics: Tools
gim‧let [countable]
1TZ a tool that is used to make small holes in wood so that you can put screws in easily
2

gimlet-eyed/gimlet eyes

if someone is gimlet-eyed, or has gimlet eyes, they look at things very hard and notice every detail
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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