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

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

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2011

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

A couple of the swarming children were decked out with cooking utensils, an iron pot for a hat, a turnspit for a cane, a gridiron hanging in front apron wise.

From Artists Past and Present Random Studies by Cary, Elisabeth Luther

You have laughed over Burke’s account of how all Lord Talbot’s schemes for the reform of the king’s household were dashed to pieces, because the turnspit of the king’s kitchen was a Member of Parliament. 

From Obiter Dicta Second Series by Birrell, Augustine

How well do I recollect, in the days of my youth, watching the operations of a turnspit at the house of a worthy old Welsh clergyman in Worcestershire, who taught me to read.

From Anecdotes of Dogs by Jesse, Edward