/bob"in/ , n.
1. a reel, cylinder, or spool upon which yarn or thread is wound, as used in spinning, machine sewing, lacemaking, etc.
2. Elect.
a. a spoollike form around which a coil of insulated wire is wound to provide an inductance.
b. the coil itself.
[ 1520-30; bobine hank of thread, perh. bob- an expressive base akin to BOB 2 + -ine -INE 2 ]