bobbin

Etymology

Borrowed from French bobine, recorded in English since 1530.

noun

1. A spool or cylinder around which wire is coiled.
   Ignition coils using a bobbin molded from high-performance polyester withstand open-circuit bench tests to 70kV. Jan. 8, 2004, Machine Design Magazine, p. 108
2. In a sewing machine, the small spool that holds the lower thread.
   Wind the bobbin, place it in the machine, and raise the thread.
3. The little rounded piece of wood at the end of a latch string, which is pulled to raise the latch.
   She went from the linhay and boldly pulled the bobbin of the fuel-house door. 1878, Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native, page 152
4. (haberdashery) A fine cord or narrow braid.