pirn
verbEtymology Perhaps from prin (“twig, shoot”), variant of prene (“spike, nail”), from Old English preon, from Proto-Germanic *preunaz (“knitting needle”).
1
To wind (yarn) onto a pirn, usually by means of a pirn winder.
pirn
noun/pɜː(ɹ)n/
Etymology Perhaps from prin (“twig, shoot”), variant of prene (“spike, nail”), from Old English preon, from Proto-Germanic *preunaz (“knitting needle”).
1
A cone-shaped spool or bobbin on which thread or yarn is wound, used most often for weaving.
2
The amount of thread wound on a shuttle or reel.
3
Dialectal A trouble or difficulty deliberately created.
- "What'll we do with the wee deil?" said she. "I'll work it a pirn," replied the lass.1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume II, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 167: