pinion

¹pin·ion

noun \ˈpin-yən\

Definition of PINION

1

: the terminal section of a bird's wing including the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges; broadly : wing

2

: feather, quill; also : flight feathers

— pin·ioned \-yənd\ adjective

Origin of PINION

Middle English, probably modification of Anglo-French *empignon, enpenoun flight feathers, ultimately from Vulgar Latin *pinnion-, pinnio, from Latin pinna feather — more at pen

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with PINION

minion, minyan

²pinion

transitive verb

Definition of PINION

1

a : to disable or restrain by binding the arms

b : to bind fast : shackle

2

: to restrain (a bird) from flight especially by cutting off the pinion of one wing

Examples of PINION

1. They pinioned his arms behind his back.
2. <Joan of Arc was pinioned to a stake and burned as a heretic.>

First Known Use of PINION

1558

Related to PINION

Synonyms

chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, manacle, bind, shackle, trammel

Antonyms

unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Related Words

bit, hobble, hog-tie, iron, lash, secure, tie, truss; attach, fasten, join, link; confine, constrain, curb, hamper, hinder, impede; limit, restrict; entangle, tangle

Near Antonyms

emancipate, free, liberate, loose, release, rescue; undo, unfasten, untangle, untie; detach, disengage

³pinion

noun

Definition of PINION

1

: a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack

2

: the smaller of a pair or the smallest of a train of gear wheels

Origin of PINION

French pignon, from Middle French peignon, from peigne comb, from Latin pecten — more at pectinate

First Known Use: 1659

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, plenum, ratchet, traction