pin

pin [pin]

n.

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

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. short for 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.

a) THOLE¹

b) any of various pegs or rods used to secure ropes

14. Wrestling FALL (n. 21a)

vt.

pinned, pinning

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

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pin down

1. to get (someone) to make a decision, commitment, etc.

2. to determine or confirm (a fact, details, etc.)

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☆ pin someone's ears back

Informal to beat, defeat, or scold someone soundly

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pin something on someone

Informal to lay the blame for something on someone