pirn

[ purn, pirn ]

noun

, British Dialect.

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

pirn

/ pɪrn; pɜːn /

noun

1. a reel or bobbin
2. (in weaving) the spool of a shuttle
3. a fishing reel

Word History and Origins

Origin of pirn¹

1400–50; late Middle English pyrne < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of pirn¹

C15: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Na, he juist said he'd forgotten a pirn, or his cruizey lamp, or ony thing.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall have a fine ravelled pirn to unwind, and may end by disgracing both the lassie and myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Thou art under watch and ward down at the pirn-mill of Marnhoul!

From Project Gutenberg

Then were little children pirn-fillers, and such were taught to steal warily past the gate-keeper, concealing the bottle.

From Project Gutenberg

The first thing he saw was a half-finished reel of cotton—a pirn, he called it.

From Project Gutenberg