I. ˈspin-d ə l noun
Etymology: Middle English spindel, from Old English spinel; akin to Old English spinnan to spin
Date: 12th century
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 usually 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 usually 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 especially 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
II. verb
( spin·dled ; spin·dling ˈspin(d)-liŋ, ˈspin-d ə l-iŋ)
Date: 1577
intransitive verb
1. : to shoot or grow into a long slender stalk
2. : to grow to stalk or stem rather than to flower or fruit
transitive verb
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 ˈspin(d)-lər, ˈspin-d ə l-ər noun