catherine wheel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a circular firework that spins round and round emitting colored fire
    pinwheel.

WordNet

Cath"er*ine wheel`
Etymology
So called from St. Catherine of Alexandria, who is represented with a wheel, in allusion to her martyrdom.
Definitions
  1. (Geoth.Arth.) Same as Rose window and Wheel window. Called also Catherine-wheel window.
  2. (Pyrotechny) A revolving piece of fireworks resembling in form the window of the same name. Written also Catharine wheel.

Webster 1913