1 turnspit | Definition of turnspit
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turnspit

noun
turn·​spit | \ ˈtÉ™rn-ËŒspit How to pronounce turnspit (audio) \

Definition of turnspit

1a : 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, "Four Weird Ways Dogs Have Earned Their Keep," 19 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turnspit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of turnspit

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with turnspit

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