Meaning
A pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle or shaft, so as to secure a wheel or shaft-mounted device.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English lynspin, compound of lins (“axletree”) and pin, from Old English lynis (“lynchpin”), from Proto-West Germanic *lunis, from Proto-Germanic *lunaz – compare German Lünse and Dutch luns – from Proto-Indo-European. Possible further cognates are Welsh olwyn (“wheel”), Old Armenian ողն (ołn, “back; spine, backbone”) and Sanskrit आणि (āṇí, “lynchpin”). Figurative use attested from the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
axlepinkeystoneanchormainstaybackbonelynchpin
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: