turnspit

plural turnspits

1. A person employed in turning a spit for the purpose of roasting meat.
2. Synonym of roasting jack.

   Synonyms: roasting jack

3. archaicbroadlyderogatoryA person engaged in some menial occupation.
4. abbreviationarchaicellipsisEllipsis of turnspit dog.

   1 more example

   c. 1723, William Meston, The Knight Sometimes, like turnspit cur, he reels, Sweating in his mysterious wheels; And by his motion, tho' he fancies That higher up he still advances, Yet, press'd down with his nat'ral weight, After much toiling, still the Knight Is found to be in the same place Where first he did begin his race; And has done less, for all his boasting, Than turnspit dog the goose when roasting.