- AS. spinnan; akin to D. & G. spinnen, Icel. & Sw. spinna, Dan. spinde, Goth. spinnan, and probably to E. span. √170. Cf. Spanv. t.Spider
- To draw out, and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton, or flax; to spin goat's hair; to produce by drawing out and twisting a fibrous material.All the yarn she [Penelopespun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths.
- To draw out tediously; to form by a slow process, or by degrees; to extend to a great length; -- with out; as, to spin out large volumes on a subject.Do you mean that story is tediously spun out?
- To protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in idleness.By one delay after another they spin out their whole lives.
- To cause to turn round rapidly; to whirl; to twirl; as, to spin a top.
- To form (a web, a cocoon, silk, or the like) from threads produced by the extrusion of a viscid, transparent liquid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air; -- said of the spider, the silkworm, etc.
- MechTo shape, as malleable sheet metal, into a hollow form, by bending or buckling it by pressing against it with a smooth hand tool or roller while the metal revolves, as in a lathe.
