1. an alloy of copper and zinc that resembles gold
Usage: historical
2. something that appears valuable but is actually cheap or fake
Usage: figurative

1. cheap and showy; fake or imitation

Examples

• The antique dealer warned customers about pinchbeck jewelry being sold as real gold.
• His pinchbeck charm fooled no one at the sophisticated dinner party.
• The watch was made of pinchbeck rather than actual gold.
• She dismissed his compliments as pinchbeck flattery.
• The museum displayed examples of 18th-century pinchbeck ornaments.
• His pinchbeck credentials were quickly exposed by the hiring committee.
• The necklace looked expensive but was merely pinchbeck.