turnspit

turnspit

English

Etymology

turn +‎ spit

Noun

turnspit (plural turnspits)

1. A person employed in turning a spit for the purpose of roasting meat.
2. Synonym of roasting jack
3. (archaic, derogatory, by extension) A person engaged in some menial occupation.
4. (archaic) Ellipsis of turnspit dog.
   • c. 1723, William Meston, The Knight

     Sometimes, like turnspit cur, he reels,
     Sweating in his mysterious wheels;
     And by his motion, tho' he fancies
     That higher up he still advances,
     Yet, press'd down with his nat'ral weight,
     After much toiling, still the Knight
     Is found to be in the same place
     Where first he did begin his race;
     And has done less, for all his boasting,
     Than turnspit dog the goose when roasting.