It is also known as a cuspidor (which is the Portuguese word for "spitter" or "spittoon", from the verb "cuspir" meaning "to spit"), although that term is also used for a type of spitting sink used in dentistry.

What does spittoon mean in English?

: a receptacle for spit. — called also cuspidor.

What was a spittoon used for?

Spittoon or Spitoon

A spittoon (or spitoon) is a receptacle used for spitting into, especially by people who chewed tobacco. It is also known as a cuspidor, (the Portuguese word for "spitter" or “spittoon”).