a tactical, revisionist interpretation of an event for public consumption. Although the term came to the forefront during the Reagan presidency, it is an ancient practice that was simply taken to new heights by Reagan's handlers US, 1986.

an excursion in a car. Originally applied to horse training, meaning 'a run of some duration', then to a bicycle ride, and now the present sense UK, 1907.

a period of time considered in terms of how you fared during it; an experience; a time of it AUSTRALIA, 1917.

five years' imprisonment AUSTRALIA, 1950.

a five-pound note; the sum of £5. An abbreviation of SPINNAKER. After decimalisation in 1966 also briefly used for $5 AUSTRALIA, 1941.

a single playing of a song by a radio station US, 1999.

a turn at spinning the coins in the gambling game two-up AUSTRALIA, 1919.

a Separation Program Number. The numbers corresponded to several hundred reasons for discharge from the service. Also known as 'spin number' US, 1984

to manipulate, edit and present information in such a way that it suits political needs or a political agenda UK, 2003.

in circus and carnival usage, to speak a language or dialect fluently US, 1981.

to search UK, 1972.

to play a record, especially on the radio US, 1965.

in the language surrounding the Grateful Dead, to tape a concert US, 1994.

to turn back a car's odometer (mileometer) US, 1980.

to deceive US, 1952.

to leave US, 1989.► spin a ditin nautical use, to tell a story, especially a tall story. From DIT (a tale) AUSTRALIA, 1943.► spin a drum; spinto search a private premises UK, 1977.► spin the shitto discuss something UK, 1995