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A gudgeon is a socket-like, cylindrical (i.e., female) fitting attached to one component to enable a pivoting or hinging connection to a second component. The second component carries a pintle fitting, the male counterpart to the gudgeon, enabling an interpivoting connection that can be easily separated. Designs that may use gudgeon and pintle connections include hinges, shutters and boat rudders.[1]
The gudgeon derives from the Middle English gojoun, which originated from the Middle French goujon, ironically, as this means dowel, or pin. Its first known use was in the 15th century.[1]