a vessel in which cream is agitated to separate butterfat from buttermilk
A vessel used for churning, especially for producing butter.
stir (cream) vigorously in order to make butter
To agitate rapidly and repetitively, or to stir with a rowing or rocking motion; generally applies to liquids, notably cream.
The noun "churn" comes from Middle English and Old English words meaning a vessel for curdling milk, while the verb form derives from an Old English term for the action of stirring or agitating. Both forms ultimately trace back to a Proto-Germanic root of unknown origin.