pivot \piv"ot\, n. f.; prob. akin to it. piva pipe, f. pipe.
   see pipe.
   1. a fixed pin or short axis, on the end of which a wheel or
      other body turns.
      1913 webster

   2. the end of a shaft or arbor which rests and turns in a
      support; as, the pivot of an arbor in a watch.
      1913 webster

   3. hence, figuratively: a turning point or condition; that on
      which important results depend; as, the pivot of an
      enterprise.
      1913 webster

   4. mil. the officer or soldier who simply turns in his
      place whike the company or line moves around him in
      wheeling; -- called also pivot man.
      1913 webster

   pivot bridge, a form of drawbridge in which one span,
      called the pivot span, turns about a central vertical
      axis.

   pivot gun, a gun mounted on a pivot or revolving carriage,
      so as to turn in any direction.

   pivot tooth dentistry, an artificial crown attached to
      the root of a natural tooth by a pin or peg.
      1913 webster
see also:
pipe pivot man pivot bridge pivot gun pivot tooth 

pivot man
     n : the person in a rank around whom the others wheel and
         maneuver syn: pivot
see also:
pivot