The Only Use of
linchpin
in
Great Expectations
- That ass, Pumblechook, used often to come over of a night for the purpose of discussing my prospects with my sister; and I really do believe (to this hour with less penitence than I ought to feel), that if these hands could have taken a linchpin out of his chaise-cart, they would have done it.†
p. 101.7
Definition:
a central and essential source of support and stability