Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Turnspit \Turn"spit`\, n.
   1. One who turns a spit; hence, a person engaged in some
      menial office.

            His lordship is his majesty's turnspit. --Burke.

   2. (Zo["o]l.) 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.

Source : WordNet®

turnspit
     n : a roasting spit that can be turned