teetotum

[ tee-toh-tuhm ]

noun

1. any small top spun with the fingers.
2. a kind of die having four sides, each marked with a different initial letter, spun with the fingers in an old game of chance.

teetotum

/ tiːˈtəʊtəm /

noun

1. a spinning top bearing letters of the alphabet on its four sides
2. such a top used as a die in gambling games

Word History and Origins

Origin of teetotum¹

1710–20; earlier T totum, alteration of totum name of toy (< Latin tōtum, neuter of tōtus all) by prefixing its initial letter, which appeared on one side of the toy

Word History and Origins

Origin of teetotum¹

C18: from T totum, from T initial inscribed on one of the faces + totum the name of the toy, from Latin tōtum the whole

Example Sentences

Warble was unfamiliar with the teetotum-like things, but the others kindly instructed her.

From Project Gutenberg

The boat was a villainous little tub, and appeared to me to go round like a teetotum.

From Project Gutenberg

Every one appears to patronize the contrivance, and you constantly hear the click of the teetotum along the beach.

From Project Gutenberg

Scopperil, skop′e-ril, n. a top: teetotum: the bone-foundation of a button.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Bright used to say he could not turn his back on himself, but Mr. Gladstone spins round and round like a teetotum.

From Project Gutenberg