Spinning Wheel

Latin Learning Latin
1

Hi all.

Anyone have a word for spinning wheel?
It must have existed then, but it’s not in my dictionary.

Thanks,

David

2

Hi David…the spinning wheel is an Indian (possibly) invention which didn’t reach Europe until 600-1000 CE.

Chris

3

Yup. They used a small spindle in roman times- here’s the WW entry on it-

fusus, fusi N 2 1 M [XXXCX]
spindle; (e.g., of the Fates);


fusiformis, fusiformis, fusiforme ADJ [GXXDK]
spindle-shaped;


atractylis, atractylidis N 3 1 F [XAXNO]
plant of the genus Carthamus, spindle-thistle (used as antidote to poisons);


I think the first entry is what you want!

4

It is my understanding that a fusus is used for spinning but is not a spinning wheel, rather a long stick sort of thing from which thread is hung by a weight and twisted (spun). I would think, though, that is is the closest word you’ll find.

5

That’s right!

If anyone is interested in handspinning in ancient times, here’s a few articles you might enjoy-

http://kws.atlantia.sca.org/spinning.html
http://www.butser.org.uk/iaftex_hcc.html

-Fabiola
(who spins like the ancients)

6

Wow Fabiola, I think that is more information than I ever wanted to know about ancient spinning: good resources!