teetotum

[ tee-toh-tuhm ]

noun

1. any small top spun with the fingers.
2. a kind of die having four sides, each marked with a different initial letter, spun with the fingers in an old game of chance.

teetotum

/ tiːˈtəʊtəm /

noun

1. a spinning top bearing letters of the alphabet on its four sides
2. such a top used as a die in gambling games

Word History and Origins

Origin of teetotum¹

1710–20; earlier T totum, alteration of totum name of toy (< Latin tōtum, neuter of tōtus all) by prefixing its initial letter, which appeared on one side of the toy

Word History and Origins

Origin of teetotum¹

C18: from T totum, from T initial inscribed on one of the faces + totum the name of the toy, from Latin tōtum the whole

Example Sentences

Seizing The Youngster by the shoulder, he spun him round like a teetotum, and was going to box his ears, when Katy cried out, "Oh, don't!" and saved that young gentleman's skin for the present.

From Project Gutenberg

It spun round and round like a teetotum, then fell over to one side with a crash.

From Project Gutenberg

The bow is caught by the current and the steamer then rapidly "spun round" by its swiftness, almost as though on a teetotum, the engines meanwhile backing up.

From Project Gutenberg

Quiet work this, none of your spasmodic Waltzes, kicking Polkas, and teetotum jigmarigs.

From Project Gutenberg

As this command came from the long, thin man--he had apparently changed his mind about being looked in the face--Bertie turned with the celerity with which a teetotum turns.

From Project Gutenberg