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.
The whole kemp were amazed at the quantity which from time to time filled her pirn.
From Irish Fairy Tales by W. B.
To wind him a pirn, to make him repent of what he has done.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Volume XXIV. by Leighton, Alexander
Pity me, Mr. Samuel, my honoured and dear friend, for my pirn is almost run out, and I am not near saved.’
From Samuel Rutherford and some of his correspondents by Whyte, 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
"Ance let a hizzy get you in the girn, Ere ye get loose, ye'll redd a ravell'd pirn."
From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander
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.
