The word 'tenpin' is a transparent compound formed from the numeral 'ten' and the noun 'pin'. It originated in the mid-19th century to specifically denote the pins used in the modern game of bowling, which standardized the use of ten targets. The logic is directly descriptive: the object is a 'pin', and there are 'ten' of them in the standard game setup. This compound follows a common English pattern for naming objects by their quantity and type, creating a clear, functional label for a piece of sporting equipment.

Structure: ten + pin - ten: From Old English 'tīen', of Germanic origin, related to Dutch 'tien' and German 'zehn'. Functions as a numeral in the compound. - pin: From Old English 'pinn', of Germanic origin, meaning a peg or bolt. Functions as the core noun denoting the object.