Meaning of linchpin in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈlɪn(t)ʃpɪn/

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1. Noun

   linchpin

   Etymology

   late Middle English: from Old Englishlynis (in the sense ‘linchpin’) + pin

   Definitions

   1. a central cohesive source of support and stability

   Examples

   • « faith is his anchor »
   • « the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money »
   • « he is the linchpin of this firm »
2. 2. pin inserted through an axletree to hold a wheel on