Modern English usage. 2014.
linchpin — linch‧pin [ˈlɪntʆˌpɪn] also lynchpin noun [singular] the most important thing or person in a system, plan etc, which everything else depends on: • The consumer is the linchpin of the economy. * * * linchpin UK US (also lynchpin) /ˈlɪntʃpɪn/ nou … Financial and business terms
linchpin — [linch′pin΄] n. [ME lynspin < lyns (< OE lynis, linchpin, akin to Ger lünse < IE base * (e)lei to bend > ELL2, Sans āṇíh, linchpin) + pin, PIN] 1. a pin that goes through the end of an axle outside the wheel to keep the wheel from… … English World dictionary
Linchpin — Linch pin (l[i^]nch p[i^]n ), n. [AS. lynis the axletree; akin to D. luns linchpin, OS. lunisa, LG. lunse, G. l[ u]nse, OHG. lun peg, bolt.] A pin used to prevent the wheel of a vehicle from sliding off the axletree. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
linchpin — also linch pin, late 14c., earlier linspin, from M.E. lins axletree (see LINCH (Cf. linch)) + PIN (Cf. pin) (n.). The peg that holds a wheel on an axle; now mainly figurative … Etymology dictionary
linchpin — (also lynchpin) ► NOUN 1) a pin through the end of an axle keeping a wheel in position. 2) an indispensable person or thing. ORIGIN Old English … English terms dictionary
linchpin — UK [ˈlɪntʃpɪn] / US [ˈlɪntʃˌpɪn] noun [countable] Word forms linchpin : singular linchpin plural linchpins a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system … English dictionary
linchpin — also lynchpin noun Etymology: Middle English lynspin, from lyns linchpin (from Old English lynis) + pin; akin to Middle High German luns linchpin Date: 13th century 1. a locking pin inserted crosswise (as through the end of an axle or shaft) 2.… … New Collegiate Dictionary
Linchpin — A linchpin or lynchpin is a metal part used in mechanical engineering to prevent a wheel or other rotating part from sliding off the axle it is riding on. It is named after Nathaniel Lynch, the English mechanic who first patented its use [cite… … Wikipedia
linchpin — linch|pin [ lıntʃ,pın ] noun count a person or thing that is essential to a group, organization, system, or plan: linchpin of: Nurses are the linchpin of our healthcare system … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
linchpin — /ˈlɪntʃpɪn / (say linchpin) noun 1. a pin inserted through the end of an axle to keep the wheel on. 2. the key point of a plan, argument, etc. 3. a key person or event, as in a play, etc. Also, lynchpin. {linch , Old English lynis linchpin +… …
