Where does “linchpin” come from?

Linchpin derives from Middle English lynspin, from Middle English pin, though the ultimate origin and earliest meaning remain uncertain.

linchpin (English): A pin inserted through holes at the end of an...

Definitions

  1. A pin inserted through holes at the end of an...

Ancestry of “linchpin”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishlynspin—
2Old Englishlynislynchpin
3Proto-Germaniclunazransom
4Proto-Indo-Europeanlewh₃-to wash

Words derived from “linchpin”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European lewh₃- →Every word from Proto-Germanic lunaz →Every word from Old English lynis →