Definition of turnspit in English:

noun

• A servant (or a small dog running on a treadmill) whose job was to turn a spit on which meat was roasting.

  ‘A house might have several turnspits, and each might be required to work the wheel for a number of hours.’

  ‘In a few years’ time, these noble youths would all be knighted and leave the kitchen behind, but the turnspits and the scullions would still be there.’

  Synonyms

  attendant, retainer