turnspit en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈtɜɹn(ˌ)spɪt/
- (Southern-England) audio
Etymology
From turn + spit.
Meanings
- A person employed in turning a spit for the purpose of roasting meat.
- Synonym of roasting jack.
- (archaic, broadly, derogatory) A person engaged in some menial occupation.
-
(abbreviation, alt-of, archaic, ellipsis) Ellipsis of turnspit dog.
alt of turnspit dog
c. 1723, William Meston, The Knight Sometimes, like turnspit cur, he reels, Sweating in his mysterious wheels; And by his motion, tho' he fancies That higher up he still advances, Yet, press'd down with his nat'ral weight, After much toiling, still the Knight Is found to be in the same place Where first he did begin his race; And has done less, for all his boasting, Than turnspit dog the goose when roasting.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| turnspits | Number=Plur | lexicographic |