linchpin

English

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', Armenian ołn 'shoulder', Sanskrit āṇís). Figurative use attested from the mid-20th century.

Alternative forms

• lynchpin

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

a securing pin

Finnish: sokka (fi), rengassokka (fi) French: cheville (fr) f. German: Achsnagel m., Lünse f. Irish: pionna rotha (ga) m.

Middle English: lynspin Norwegian: sikring (no) m., splint (no) m. Old English: lynis (ang) m. Volapük: xabakluf

central cohesive source of stability and security

French: cheville ouvrière (fr) f.

Portuguese: baluarte (pt) m.