turnspit

American  

[turn-spit] / ˈtɜrnˌspɪt /

noun

1. a spit that rotates or can be rotated.

2. a mechanically or manually operated device for turning a spit on which meat is roasted.

3. a person who turns a spit.

4. a small dog having a long body and short legs, used formerly to work a treadmill that turned a spit.

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turnspit British  

/ ˈtɜːnˌspɪt /

noun

1. (formerly) a servant or small dog whose job was to turn the spit on which meat, poultry, etc, was roasting

2. a spit that can be so turned

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Etymology

Origin of turnspit

First recorded in 1570–80; turn + spit ²

Example Sentences

In the Middle Ages, many households employed a turnspit dog, a breed developed to turn roasting meat by running inside a small cage that resembled a hamster wheel.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2011

Modern cooking technologies eliminated the need for turnspit dogs, and they faded away.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2011

So the poor turnspit, as the wheel runs round, The more he gains, the more he loses ground.”

From England in the Days of Old by Andrews, William

The following occurrence at the Jesuit's College at Flêche, shows that others of the species have kept the turnspit to this disagreeable duty.

From Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals by Weir, Harrison

Doubtless thou thinkest thou hast done mightily, sir knight of the turnspit, but I saw well how it all happened.

From King Arthur's Knights The Tales Re-told for Boys & Girls by Gilbert, Henry