center pin

noun

, Railroads.

1. a cylindrical device passing through the center plates of both the body bolster and the truck bolster, permitting the truck to swivel beneath the car body while the stress is taken by the center plate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of center pin¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Once derailed, the truck would then spin around on the deadly center pin, throwing the locomotive over.

From Project Gutenberg

It is made fast to the main rail by a screw, and upon it the wippen is hinged by means of a "center-pin" at the lower end.

From Project Gutenberg

It has taken a Jew to knock the last center-pin out of our ideally spinning universe.

From Project Gutenberg

The spiral spring, which held the front wheels of the pilot in place, acted substantially as the center pin of a truck.

From Project Gutenberg

Extension; split at lower end to receive center pin in Bottom.

From Project Gutenberg