1. One who turns a spit; hence, a person engaged in some menial office. His lordship is his majesty's turnspit. Burke.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small breed of dogs having a long body and short crooked legs. These dogs were formerly much used for turning a spit on which meat was roasting.
TURNSTILE
Turn"stile`, n.
1. A revolving frame in a footpath, preventing the passage of horses or cattle, but admitting that of persons; a turnpike. See Turnpike, n., 1.
2. A similar arrangement for registering the number of persons passing through a gateway, doorway, or the like.
TURNSTONE
Turn"stone`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any species of limicoline birds of the genera Strepsilas and Arenaria, allied to the plovers, especially the common American and European species (Strepsilas interpres). They are so called from their habit of turning up small stones in search of mollusks and other aquatic animals. Called also brant bird, sand runner, sea quail, sea lark, sparkback, and skirlcrake. Black turnstone, the California turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala). The adult in summer is mostly black, except some white streaks on the chest and forehead, and two white loral spots.
TURNTABLE
Turn"ta`ble, n.
Defn: A large revolving platform, for turning railroad cars, locomotives, etc., in a different direction; — called also turnplate.