I. ˈpin-yən noun
Etymology: Middle English, probably modification of Anglo-French * empignon, enpenoun flight feathers, ultimately from Vulgar Latin * pinnion-, pinnio, from Latin pinna feather — more at pen
Date: 15th century
1. : the terminal section of a bird's wing including the carpus, metacarpus, and phalanges ; broadly : wing
2. : feather , quill ; also : flight feathers
• pin·ioned -yənd adjective
II. transitive verb
Date: 1558
1.
a. : to disable or restrain by binding the arms
b. : to bind fast : shackle
2. : to restrain (a bird) from flight especially by cutting off the pinion of one wing
III. noun
Etymology: French pignon, from Middle French peignon, from peigne comb, from Latin pecten — more at pectinate
Date: 1659
1. : a gear with a small number of teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or rack
2. : the smaller of a pair or the smallest of a train of gear wheels