[spin.dle] n [ME spindel, fr. OE spinel; akin to OE spinnan to spin] (12c) 1 a: a round stick with tapered ends used to form and twist the yarn in hand spinning b: the long slender pin by which the thread is twisted in a spinning wheel c: any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine (as a spinning frame) d: the pin in a loom shuttle e: a device usu. consisting of a long upright pin in a base on which papers can be stuck for filing--called also spindle file
2: something shaped like a spindle: as a: a spindle-shaped network of chiefly microtubular fibers along which the chromosomes are distributed during mitosis and meiosis b: muscle spindle 3 a: the bar or shaft usu. of square section that carries the knobs and actuates the latch or bolt of a lock b (1): a turned often decorative piece (as in a baluster) (2): newel c (1): a revolving piece esp. when thinner than a shaft (2): a horizontal or vertical axle revolving on pin or pivot ends d: the part of an axle on which a vehicle wheel turns
[2]spindle vb spin.dled ; spin.dling vi (1577) 1: to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2: to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit ~ vt 1: to impale, thrust, or perforate on the spike of a spindle file
2: to make or equip (as a piece of furniture) with spindles -- spin.dler n