pinions
nounUK /ˈpɪnjənz/
US /ˈpɪnjənz/
Pinions are the small feathers at the end of a bird's wing.
The owl spread its pinions and flew silently into the night.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small gear wheel with teeth that fit into another gear.
The clockmaker replaced the worn pinion inside the old watch.
3. To tie or hold someone's arms so they cannot move.
The guards pinioned the prisoner's arms behind his back.
4. To cut off the tip of a bird's wing so it cannot fly away.
The farmer pinioned the goose to keep it in the yard.