Advertisement

Advertisement

turnspit

[ turn-spit ]

noun

  1. a spit that rotates or can be rotated.
  2. a mechanically or manually operated device for turning turn a spit on which meat is roasted.
  3. a person who turns a spit.
  4. a small dog having a long body and short legs, used formerly to work a treadmill that turned a spit.


turnspit

/ ˈtɜːnˌspɪt /

noun

  1. (formerly) a servant or small dog whose job was to turn the spit on which meat, poultry, etc, was roasting
  2. a spit that can be so turned
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnspit1

First recorded in 1570–80; turn + spit 2
Discover More

Example Sentences

Once the pup has everyone’s attention, casually bring up the turnspit dog, a terrier-like companion bred to run on a treadmill that turns a cooking spit.

With disparaging magnanimity in victory, Henry took Simnel into his kitchens as a turnspit.

Reform was foiled, as Burke put it, because the turnspit in the king's kitchen was a member of parliament.

A turnspit is represented in his wheel, with the chain attached to the spit, for roasting the joint before the fire.

Accordingly, the other turnspit was sent for, and he entered the spit very willingly, and turned away.

The dog worked in a cage, operating a wheel or drum which in its turn revolved the turnspit.

At last we thought we heard him, and he came out looking more like a turnspit than a well-bred fox terrier.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


turnsoleturnstile