The phrase "pin money"
Posted by Susan brook on January 09, 2005
this phrase although thought to mean money assigned to a woman for pins or clothing allowance by their husbands, may have its root in northumbria in england where many villages had "pin folds" for holding stray sheep. when an owner came to claim the sheep a fine was levied before it would be released back to its owner.
- The phrase "pin money" ESC 09/January/05