spinning jenny

noun

1. an early spinning machine having more than one spindle, enabling a person to spin a number of yarns simultaneously.

spinning jenny

noun

1. an early type of spinning frame with several spindles, invented by James Hargreaves in 1764

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning jenny¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Word History and Origins

Origin of spinning jenny¹

C18: see jenny ; the reason for the adoption of the woman's name is unclear