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pin definition

pin (pin)

noun

  1. a peg of wood, metal, etc., used esp. for fastening or holding things together or as a support on which to hang things
  2. a little piece of stiff wire with a pointed end and a flattened or rounded head, used for fastening things together or holding them in place; straight pin
  3. something worthless or insignificant; trifle
  4. a pointed instrument for holding the hair, a hat, etc. in place
  5. clothespin, safety pin, cotter pin, etc.
  6. anything like a pin in form, use, etc.
  7. an ornament, badge, or emblem having a pin or clasp with which it is fastened to the clothing
  8. Informal the leg: usually used in pl.
  9. Bowling any of the bottle-shaped pieces of wood, or wood coated with plastic, at which the ball is rolled
  10. Golf a pole with a flag attached, placed in the hole of a green to mark its location
  11. Med. a metal rod used to hold a broken bone together
  12. Music any of the pegs for regulating the tension of the strings of a piano, harp, etc.
  13. Naut.
    1. thole
    2. any of various pegs or rods used to secure ropes
  14. Wrestling fall ()

Etymology: ME pyn < OE pinn, akin to MHG pfinne, a nail, prob. < IE base *bend-, projecting point > MIr benn, peak

transitive verb pinned, pinning pin′·ning

  1. to fasten with or as with a pin
  2. to pierce with a pin
  3. to hold firmly in one place or position
  4. Slang to give one's fraternity pin to, as an informal token of betrothal
pin Idioms

pin down

  1. to get (someone) to make a decision, commitment, etc.
  2. to determine or confirm (a fact, details, etc.)

pin someone's ears back

Informal to beat, defeat, or scold someone soundly

pin something on someone

Informal to lay the blame for something on someone
PIN definition

PIN (pin)

noun

an identification number entered on a keypad in order to gain access to a computer, ATM, etc.

Etymology: p(ersonal) i(dentification) n(umber)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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