pirn
Americannoun
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a weaver's bobbin, spool, or reel.
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a fishing reel.
noun
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a reel or bobbin
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(in weaving) the spool of a shuttle
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a fishing reel
Etymology
Origin of pirn
1400–50; late Middle English pyrne < ?
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Ay, mony a pirn has 'Lisbeth filled to me," said Hendry, settling down to a reminiscence.
From A Window in Thrums by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)
"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
Na, he juist said he'd forgotten a pirn, or his cruizey lamp, or ony thing.
From A Window in Thrums by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
