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 lunazEvery word from Old English lynis
linchpin — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer