1. a dog formerly used to turn a roasting spit by running on a treadmill
Usage: historical
2. a mechanical device for turning a roasting spit

Examples

• The turnspit dog was bred specifically for kitchen work in medieval times.
• Small turnspit dogs would run inside a wheel to rotate the meat over the fire.
• The mechanical turnspit replaced the need for dogs in the kitchen.
• A clockwork turnspit ensured the roast cooked evenly on all sides.
• The museum displayed an antique turnspit mechanism from the 18th century.