pinion

(pĭn′yən)

1. The wing of a bird.

2. The outer rear edge of the wing of a bird, containing the primary feathers.

3. A primary feather of a bird.

tr.v. pin·ioned, pin·ioning, pin·ions

a. To remove or bind the wing feathers of (a bird) to prevent flight.

b. To cut or bind (the wings of a bird).

a. To restrain or immobilize (a person) by binding the arms.

b. To bind (a person's arms).

3. To bind fast or hold down; shackle.

Mentioned in

Abbe substage

References in classic literature

"I should be very glad of that," says the captain, "with all my heart." "Well," says I, "I will send for them up and talk with them for you." So I caused Friday and the two hostages, for they were now discharged, their comrades having performed their promise; I say, I caused them to go to the cave, and bring up the five men, pinioned as they were, to the bower, and keep them there till I came.

View in context

As he sank to his knees his other antagonist freed an arm from the embrace which had pinioned it to his side, but before he could deal the professor a blow with the short knife that up to now he had been unable to use, Number Thirteen had hurled his man across the room and was upon him who menaced the scientist.

View in context

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