First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1pinion
noun pin·ion \ˈpin-yən\
Definition of PINION
1
: the terminal section of a bird's wing including the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges; broadly : wing
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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
2pinion
verb
: to tie up (someone's arms or legs) very tightly
Full Definition of PINION
transitive verb
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
See pinion defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PINION
1558
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
PINION Defined for Kids
pinion
verb pin·ion \ˈpin-yən\
pin·ionedpin·ion·ing
Definition of PINION for Kids
1
: to restrain by tying the arms to the body
2
: to tie up or hold tightly <The guards pinioned the prisoner's arms.>
3
: to prevent a bird from flying especially by cutting off the end of one wing
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