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| n. 1. The wing of a bird. 2. The outer rear edge of the wing of a bird, containing the primary flight feathers. 3. A primary flight feather of a bird. tr.v. pin·ioned, pin·ion·ing, pin·ions 1. a. To remove or bind the wing feathers of (a bird) to prevent flight. b. To cut or bind (the wings of a bird). 2. a. To restrain or immobilize (a person) by binding the arms. b. To bind (a person's arms). 3. To bind fast or hold down; shackle. [Middle English, from Old French pignon, from Vulgar Latin *pinniō, pinniōn-, from Latin penna, pinna, feather; see PINNA.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
n. A small cogwheel that engages or is engaged by a larger cogwheel or a rack. [French pignon, from Old French peignon, probably from peigne, comb, from Latin pecten, from pectere, to comb.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
