noun

1. a metal spindle or bar, often tapered, inserted into a lathe center to support work while it is being machined or turned
2. a metal rod or bar used as a core around which metal, wire, glass, etc. is cast, molded, forged, or shaped

Etymology: earlier manderil; prob. < Fr mandrin < Prov mandre, spindle, winch, beam (of a balance) < L mamphur, a bow drill < IE base *menth-, to twirl > ON mọndull, handle of a quern