Main Entry: king·pin

Pronunciation: \ˈkiŋ-ˌpin\

Function: noun

Date: 1801

1 : any of several bowling pins: as a : headpin b : the pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins
2 : the chief person in a group or undertaking
3 a : kingbolt b : a pin connecting the two parts of a knuckle joint (as in an automobile steering linkage)