n. [ F. mandrin, prob. through (assumed) LL. mamphurinum, fr. L. mamphur a bow drill. ] (Mach.) (a) A bar of metal inserted in the work to shape it, or to hold it, as in a lathe, during the process of manufacture; an arbor. (b) The live spindle of a turning lathe; the revolving arbor of a circular saw. It is usually driven by a pulley. [ Written also manderil and mandril. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Mandrel lathe, a lathe with a stout spindle, adapted esp. for chucking, as for forming hollow articles by turning or spinning. [ 1913 Webster ]