Ring spinner, a machine for spinning, in which the twist, given to the
yarn by a revolving bobbin, is regulated by the drag of a small metal
loop which slides around a ring encircling the bobbin, instead of by a
throstle.
Spin"ner*et (?), n. (Zoöl.) One of the special jointed organs situated
on the under side, and near the end, of the abdomen of spiders, by
means of which they spin their webs. Most spiders have three pairs of
spinnerets, but some have only two pairs. The ordinary silk line of the
spider is composed of numerous smaller lines jointed after issuing from
the spinnerets.
Spin"ner*ule (?), n. (Zoöl.) One of the numerous small spinning tubes
on the spinnerets of spiders.
Spin"ney (?), n.; pl. Spinneys (&?;). Same as Spinny. T. Hughes.
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Spin"ning (?), a. & n. from Spin.
Spinning gland (Zoöl.), one of the glands which form the material for
spinning the silk of silkworms and other larvæ. -- Spinning house,
formerly a common name for a house of correction in England, the women
confined therein being employed in spinning. -- Spinning jenny (Mach.),
an engine or machine for spinning wool or cotton, by means of a large
number of spindles revolving simultaneously. -- Spinning mite (Zoöl.),
the red spider. -- Spinning wheel, a machine for spinning yarn or
thread, in which a wheel drives a single spindle, and is itself driven
by the hand, or by the foot acting on a treadle.
Spin"ny (?), n.; pl. Spinnies (#). [OF. espinaye,espinoye, espinei,
espanoi, F. épinaie, from L. spinetum a thicket of thorns, fr. spina a
thorn. See Spine.] A small thicket or grove with undergrowth; a clump
of trees. [Written also spinney, and spinny.]
The downs rise steep, crowned with black fir spinnies.