TURNSPIT Meaning and
Definition
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A turnspit refers to a historical occupation, appliance, or a dog breed used for turning a roasting spit in a kitchen or fireplace to evenly cook meat. The term can also be used to describe a mechanical contraption designed for the same purpose. Additionally, "turnspit" can also refer to a particular breed of dog that was primarily trained to rotate the spit.
In terms of occupation, a turnspit was an individual, often a servant, who was responsible for manually turning the spit by hand to ensure that the meat was evenly roasted. This position was physically demanding and required constant attention to prevent the meat from burning or remaining undercooked.
As an appliance, a turnspit was a device consisting of a spit or rod that held the meat, attached to a mechanism that rotated the spit. This invention revolutionized cooking by providing a consistent way to roast meat and freed up human resources for other tasks. The mechanism was often powered by hand-crank, clockwork or even treadle.
Historically, a turnspit dog was a specific breed that was bred and trained to perform the task of rotating the spit. These small, long-bodied dogs had short legs and a sturdy build, perfect for the purpose. They were employed in kitchens for centuries, with their natural instinct to walk continuously, making them an ideal candidate for turning the spit. However, as the mechanical turnspit became more prevalent, the need for turnspit dogs diminished, leading to the breed's eventual extinction.
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A person who turns a spit; a variety of the dog kind, formerly so employed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TURNSPIT
- rurnspit
- furnspit
- gurnspit
- yurnspit
- 6urnspit
- 5urnspit
- tyrnspit
- thrnspit
- tjrnspit
- tirnspit
- t8rnspit
- t7rnspit
- tuenspit
- tudnspit
- tufnspit
- tutnspit
- tu5nspit
- tu4nspit
- turbspit
Etymology of TURNSPIT
The word "turnspit" has an interesting etymology. It derives from Middle English "torn" or "turn" (meaning "to rotate" or "to spin") and "spit" (referring to a long rod on which meat was roasted over a fire). The term initially referred to a person who turned the roasting spit by hand, usually as a job assigned to a servant in wealthy households. Over time, the term "turnspit" came to specifically refer to a dog breed that was bred and trained to work on a treadmill-like mechanism, turning the spit in kitchens.
Similar spelling words for TURNSPIT
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