Bob"bin (&?;), n. [F. bobine; of
uncertain origin; cf. L. bombus a humming, from the noise it makes,
or Ir. & Gael. baban tassel, or E. bob.] 1.
A small pin, or cylinder, formerly of bone, now most commonly of wood,
used in the making of pillow lace. Each thread is wound on a separate
bobbin which hangs down holding the thread at a slight tension.
2. A spool or reel of various material and
construction, with a head at one or both ends, and sometimes with a hole
bored through its length by which it may be placed on a spindle or pivot.
It is used to hold yarn or thread, as in spinning or warping machines,
looms, sewing machines, etc.
3. The little rounded piece of wood, at the end of
a latch string, which is pulled to raise the latch.
4. (Haberdashery) A fine cord or narrow
braid.
5. (Elec.) A cylindrical or spool-shaped
coil or insulated wire, usually containing a core of soft iron which
becomes magnetic when the wire is traversed by an electrical
current.
Bobbin and fly frame, a roving machine. --
Bobbin lace, lace made on a pillow with bobbins;
pillow lace.
