1. dogs formerly used to turn roasting spits by running on a treadmill
Usage: historical
2. mechanical devices used to rotate meat while roasting
Usage: historical

Examples

• The kitchen employed turnspits to ensure the meat cooked evenly over the fire.
• Small dogs called turnspits were bred specifically for this kitchen work.
• Medieval castles often had turnspits running in wheels to rotate the roasting meat.
• The invention of clockwork turnspits replaced the need for dogs in wealthy households.
• Turnspits were an essential part of large kitchen operations in the 16th century.
• The poor turnspits worked tirelessly in the hot kitchens of grand estates.