teetotum noun & verb. [ti:'tǝʊtǝm] Orig. T totum. E18.
[T (standing for totum, and inscribed on one side of the toy) + Latin totum all, the whole (stakes).]
A. noun.
1. A small four-sided disk or die with an initial letter on each side, and a central spindle by which it may be spun like a small top, the uppermost letter, when it stops, determining whether the spinner has won or lost. Now also, any light top spun with the fingers. E18.

2. A game of chance played with this device. M18.
b. verb intrans. Spin like a teetotum, gyrate. M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲