teetotum

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin

From Latin totum (“all”), marked by a T on one of the four sides.

“Are you a child or a teetotum?” the Sheep said, as she took up another pair of needles. — Through the Looking-Glass, Lewis Carroll
And we don’t keep a butler, thank goodness!” Father Brown started and spun half round like an absurd teetotum. — The wisdom of Father Brown, G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
With the very crack of sound Maurice Mair seemed to spin like a teetotum and pitch upon his face like a ninepin. — The secret of Father Brown, G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton

top, whirligig, spinning top

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