center pin

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of center pin

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

center pin

“Sportsmanlike behavior is the center pin to maintaining hunting as a socially acceptable activity,” Fred Trevey wrote in an email forwarded to the governor’s office.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 16, 2018

“We played a center pin from the back tee, and it was 265,” Woods said.

From New York Times ● Aug. 6, 2011

The center pin is 3/4-in. in diameter and about 9 in. long.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

Using the hood lines with center pin as center, describe two concentric circles with radii 8 feet 3 inches and 11 feet 3 inches.

From Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 Corrected to April 15, 1917 (Changes Nos. 1 to 19) by Department, United States War

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

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 832, December 12, 1891 by Various