turnspit

noun

turn·​spit ˈtərn-ˌspit How to pronounce turnspit (audio)
1
a
: one that turns a spit
specifically : a small dog formerly used in a treadmill to turn a spit
b
: a roasting jack
2
: a rotatable spit

Examples of turnspit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In England the practice was so common that a special breed was developed to handle this duty: a turnspit dog. Andrew Amelinckx, Smithsonian, 19 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turnspit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of turnspit was in 1570

Cite this Entry

“Turnspit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turnspit. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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