1. the outer part of a bird’s wing including the flight feathers
2. a small gear wheel that engages with a larger gear or rack
Usage: mechanical

1. to tie or hold someone’s arms or wings to prevent movement

Examples

• The injured hawk could not extend its left pinion.
• The bird’s pinions were clipped to prevent flight.
• The clock’s pinion gear needed replacement.
• The rack and pinion steering system was damaged.
• The guards pinioned the prisoner’s arms behind his back.
• She felt pinioned by the heavy blankets.
• The mechanic examined the worn pinion teeth.