spinster

n. [ Spin + -ster. ] 1. A woman who spins, or whose occupation is to spin. [ 1913 Webster ]

She spake to spinster to spin it out. Piers Plowman. [ 1913 Webster ]

The spinsters and the knitters in the sun. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A man who spins. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) An unmarried or single woman; -- used in legal proceedings as a title, or addition to the surname. [ 1913 Webster ]

If a gentlewoman be termed a spinster, she may abate the writ. Coke. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A woman of evil life and character; -- so called from being forced to spin in a house of correction. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]