Spindle Definition
spĭndl
spindled, spindles, spindling
noun
spindles
A pin or rod holding a bobbin or spool on which thread is wound on an automated spinning machine.
American Heritage
A slender rod or pin used in spinning.
Webster's New World
A measure for yarn, equal to 14,400 yards in linen or 15,120 yards in cotton.
Webster's New World
A short turned piece or decorative rod, as a baluster or element in some chair backs.
Webster's New World
Any of various mechanical parts that revolve or serve as axes for larger revolving parts, as in a lock, axle, phonograph turntable, or lathe.
American Heritage
verb
spindled, spindles, spindling
To form into a spindle.
Webster's New World
To fit or equip with a spindle.
Webster's New World
To grow into a long, slender stalk or stem.
Webster's New World
To grow in a long, slender shape.
Webster's New World
To impale (papers, etc.) on a spindle.
Webster's New World
adjective
Of or like a spindle or spindles.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Spindle
Noun
Singular:
spindlePlural:
spindlesOrigin of Spindle
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From Middle English spindle, spyndel, spyndylle, from Old English spindle, spindel, alteration of earlier spinel, spinil, spinl (“spindle"), from Proto-Germanic *spinnilō (“spindle"), equivalent to spin +"Ž -le. Cognate with Scots spindil, spinnell (“spindle"), Dutch spil ("spindle"; < Middle Dutch spille, spinle), German Spindel (“spindle"), Danish spindel (“spindle"), Swedish spindel (“spindle").
From Wiktionary
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Middle English spindel alteration of Old English spinel (s)pen- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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