or spin-house, subs. phr. (old).—A house of correction or Bridewell for loose women. [The task work consisted of spinning or beating hemp.] Hence SPINSTER = a harlot. [The term is still applied to the prison for disorderly women attached to the Vice-Chancellor’s Court at the University of Cambridge.]
1622. FLETCHER, The Prophetess, iii. 1.
| Drus. Sir, | |
| We are no SPINSTERS; nor if you look upon us, | |
| So wretched as you take us. |
1641. EVELYN, Diary, 19 Aug. As we returned we stepp’d in to see the SPIN-HOUSE, a kind of Bridewell, where incorrigible and lewd women are kept in discipline and order.
1662. FULLER, Worthies of England, Kent. Many would never be wretched SPINSTERS were they spinsters in deed, nor come to so public and shameful punishments.
