Dictionary

kingpin

noun king·pin \ˈkiŋ-ˌpin\

: a person who controls an organization or activity

Full Definition of KINGPIN

1
:  any of several bowling pins: as
a :  headpin
b :  the pin that stands in the middle of a triangular arrangement of bowling pins
2
:  the chief person in a group or undertaking
3
a :  kingbolt
b :  a pin connecting the two parts of a knuckle joint (as in an automobile steering linkage)
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First Known Use of KINGPIN

1801

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