Origin of the word
Stitching is of Germanic origin, first appearing in Middle English as ‘stiche’ or ‘stichen’, and Old English as the word ‘stice’, which referred to a stabbing pain or puncture. It also has its origins in the German ‘Stich’, which means a sting or prick, and the English word stick. The word stitching can be used to describe both a row of stitches and the process of sewing.
The phrasal verb stitch up was first used during the 16th century to refer to a hastily completed sewing job. It has been used to describe a malicious action or deliberate betrayal since the 1970s, while the derived noun stitch-up was first attested in the 1980s.
Examples
“These models will have perforated seats embossed with ‘HDMC’, blue seat stitching, 115th Anniversary script on the console, timer cover and air cleaner.” – Digital Trends, Sunday 27th August 2017: Harley-Davidson revs up nine 2018 115th Anniversary limited editions.
“A recent interview, however, has seen Liam air many of his usual grievances, in addition to accusing his brother Noel for ‘stitching him up’ following Oasis’ split, and resulted in calling him a ‘working class traitor.’” – Tone Deaf.com, Thursday 10th August 2017: Liam Gallagher claims Noel ‘stitched him up’ following Oasis’ split.
“From morning wake-ups to last-minute hem stitching, each hostess is responsible for about three or four contestants.” – Press of Atlantic City, Saturday 26th August 2017: ‘Good Luck Hostess’ talks about life on the pageant stage.
Definition
1: the process of making, mending or joining two pieces of material; sewing
2: the movement of a threaded needle through fabric; the act of a person who stitches
3: a portion of thread, or a line of stitches
4: the act of manipulating a situation so that someone is placed in a compromising position
5: to secure or make an agreement to one’s advantage
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
