spindle

I. 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 (spindled; spindling) 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 • spindler noun