Spi'der, n.
n. [For spinder, from spin, so named from spinning his web; Sw. spindel, N. H. Ger. spinne, O. H. Ger. spinna, D. spin; Dan. spinder, a spinner. See SPIN.]
Sense 1. (Zoöl.) An animal of the family Araneidæ, of the class Arachnida, some of which are remarkable for spinning webs for taking their prey and forming a convenient habitation, and for the deposit of their food.
The spider's touch, how exquisitely fine! Feels at each thread, and lives along the line. Pope.
Sense 2. A kitchen utensil, somewhat resembling, in form, a spider.
Sense 3. A trevet to support vessels over a fire.
Sense 4. (Mach.) A skeleton of radial or cross-pieces, resembling a spider.
