tenpins

[ ten-pinz ]

/ ˈtɛnˌpɪnz /

(used with a singular verb) a form of bowling, played with ten wooden pins at which a ball is bowled to knock them down.

tenpin, a pin used in this game.

Origin of tenpins

First recorded in 1590–1600; ten + pin + -s³

He relentlessly cut them down one after another like tenpins.

Dave Dawson at Truk |Robert Sydney Bowen
This game resembles Battle Ball in that it consists in trying to overturn Indian clubs or tenpins set up in the opponents' court.

Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium |Jessie H. Bancroft
At the rear of each ground a row of Indian clubs or tenpins is set up, there being the same number of pins as players.

Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium |Jessie H. Bancroft
Briefly stated, it consists in trying to dislodge Indian clubs or tenpins placed at the rear of the enemies' territory.

Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium |Jessie H. Bancroft

Yet the spears from above mowed down the climbing savages like tenpins, while their weapons did little or no damage.

Nedra |George Barr McCutcheon

tenpins

/ (ˈtɛnˌpɪnz) /

(functioning as singular) a US and Canadian name for tenpin bowling