n. 1. One who turns a spit; hence, a person engaged in some menial office. [ 1913 Webster ]

His lordship is his majesty's turnspit. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) A small breed of dogs having a long body and short crooked legs. These dogs were formerly much used for turning a spit on which meat was roasting. [ 1913 Webster ]