English
Etymology
From ME. lynspin < OE. lynis (a pin securing a wheel to an axle). Figurative use attested from the mid 20th Century.
Alternative spellings
lynchpin
Noun
en-noun
- a pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle, so as to secure a wheel
- figurative a central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organisation.
Translations
trans-top|a securing pin
German: Achsnagel m, Lünse f
Middle English: lynspin
Norwegian: sikring m, splint m
trans-mid
Old English: lynis g|Old English
Volapük: xabakluf
trans-bottom
io:linchpin
te:linchpin
vi:linchpin
zh:linchpin
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