bobbin

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The little rounded piece of wood, at the end of a latch string, which is pulled to raise the latch. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Haberdashery) A fine cord or narrow braid. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Bobbin and fly frame, a roving machine. --
Bobbin lace, lace made on a pillow with bobbins; pillow lace. [ 1913 Webster ]