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Webster 1913 Edition

Linchpin

Linch′pinˊ

(lĭnch′pĭnˊ)
,
Noun.
[AS.
lynis
the axletree; akin to D.
luns
linchpin, OS.
lunisa
, LG.
lunse
, G.
lünse
, OHG.
lun
peg, bolt.]
A pin used to prevent the wheel of a vehicle from sliding off the axletree.

Webster 1828 Edition

Linchpin

LINCH'PIN

,
Noun.
A pin used to prevent the wheel of a carriage from sliding off the axle-tree.

Definition 2024

linchpin

linchpin

English

Alternative forms

Noun

linchpin ‎(plural linchpins)

  1. a pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle, so as to secure a wheel
  2. (figuratively) a central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organisation.

Translations

Etymology

Middle English lynspin, compound of lins ‎(“axletree”) and pin, from Old English lynis ‎(“linchpin”), from Proto-Germanic *luniso (compare German Lünse), from Proto-Indo-European (compare Welsh olwyn ‎(“wheel”), Old Armenian ողն ‎(ołn, “back; spine, backbone”), Sanskrit आणि ‎(āṇí, “linchpin”)). Figurative use attested from the mid-20th century.

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