Pinion — Defs

01 n. A moth of the genus Lithophane, as Lithophane antennata, whose larva bores large holes in young peaches and apples.

1.
A moth of the genus Lithophane, as Lithophane antennata, whose larva bores large holes in young peaches and apples.(Zool.)

02 n. A feather; a quill.

1.
A feather; a quill.
2.
A wing, literal or figurative.
“Swift on his sooty pinions flits the gnome.” — Pope.
3.
The joint of bird's wing most remote from the body.
4.
A fetter for the arm.
5.
A cogwheel with a small number of teeth, or leaves, adapted to engage with a larger wheel, or rack (see Rack); esp., such a wheel having its leaves formed of the substance of the arbor or spindle which is its axis.(Mech.) See: Rack

Phrases & compounds

Lantern pinion — See under Lantern.

Pinion wire — wire fluted longitudinally, for making the pinions of clocks and watches. It is formed by being drawn through holes of the shape required for the leaves or teeth of the pinions.

03 v. t. To bind or confine the wings of; to confine by binding the wings.

imp. & p. p. Pinioned; p. pr. & vb. n. Pinioning

1.
To bind or confine the wings of; to confine by binding the wings.
2.
To disable by cutting off the pinion joint.
3.
To disable or restrain, as a person, by binding the arms, esp. by binding the arms to the body.
“Her elbows pinioned close upon her hips.” — Cowper.
4.
Hence, generally, to confine; to bind; to tie up.