pirn

American  

[purn, pirn] / pɜrn, pɪrn /

noun

British Dialect.

1. a weaver's bobbin, spool, or reel.

2. a fishing reel.

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pirn British  

/ pɪrn, pɜːn /

noun

1. a reel or bobbin

2. (in weaving) the spool of a shuttle

3. a fishing reel

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Etymology

Origin of pirn

1400–50; late Middle English pyrne < ?

Example Sentences

The whole kemp were amazed at the quantity which from time to time filled her pirn.

From Irish Fairy Tales by W. B.

"Ay, and the thread still on the pirn."

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 21 by Leighton, Alexander

There's a chield can spin a muckle pirn out of a wee tait of tow!

From The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1 by Scott, Walter, Sir

I ken naething about that," said the gaberlunzie; "but an my auld acquaintance be hersell, or anything like hersell, she may come to wind us a pirn.

From The Antiquary — Volume 02 by Scott, Walter, Sir

"The Keeper will rue this before year and day are out," said a third; "the Master of Ravenswood is the lad to wind him a pirn."

From The Bride of Lammermoor by Scott, Walter, Sir