Spīn'dle1, n.
n. [A-S. spindel, spinl, from spinnan, to spin; N. H. Ger., Dan., & Sw. spindel, O. H. Ger. spinnala, spinnila, spilla, M. H. Ger. spinele, spinle, spille.]
Sense 1. The long, round, slender rod or pin in spinning-wheels by which the thread is twisted, and on which, when twisted, it is wound.
Sense 2. A slender, pointed rod or pin on which any thing turns; an axis, or arbor; as, the spindle of a vane, a pinion, or a capstan.
Sense 3. The fusee of a watch.
Sense 4. A long, slender stalk.
Sense 5. A yarn measure, in cotton-yarn, containing 18 hanks, or 15,120 yards; in linen yarn, 24 heers, or 14,400 yards.
Sense 6. (Geom.) A solid generated by the revolution of a curve line about its base or double ordinate.
Sense 7. (Conch.) The shell of a mollusk of the genus Strombus:—so called from its resemblance to a spindle in shape. Eng. Cyc.
Dead-spindle (Mach.), the arbor of a machine-tool that does not revolve; the spindle of the tail-stock. — Live-spindle, the revolving arbor of a machine-tool; the spindle of the head-stock.