[hinge] n [ME heng; akin to MD henge hook, OE hangian to hang] (14c) 1 a: a jointed or flexible device on which a door, lid, or other swinging part turns b: a flexible ligamentous joint c: a small piece of thin gummed paper used in fastening a postage stamp in an album
2: a determining factor: turning point
[2]hinge vb hinged ; hing.ing vi (1719): to be contingent on a single consideration or point--used with on or upon ~ vt: to attach by or furnish with hinges