Turnspit \Turn"spit`\, 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]