SPACESpace, v. i. Etym: [Cf. OF. espacier, L. spatiari. See Space, n.]
Defn: To walk; to rove; to roam. [Obs.]And loved in forests wild to space. Spenser.
SPACESpace, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spaced; p. pr. & vb. n. Spacong.] Etym:[Cf. F. espacer. See Space, n.] (Print.)
Defn: To arrange or adjust the spaces in or between; as, to space words, lines, or letters.
SPACE BAR; SPACE KEYSpace bar or key. (Mach.)
Defn: A bar or key, in a typewriter or typesetting machine, used for spacing between letters.
SPACEFULSpace"ful, a.
Defn: Wide; extensive. Sandys.
SPACELESSSpace"less, a.
Defn: Without space. Coleridge.
SPACIALSpa"cial, a.
Defn: See Spatial.
SPACIALLYSpa"cial*ly, adv.
Defn: See Spatially. Sir W,Hamilton.
SPACIOUSSpa"cious, a. Etym: [L. spatiousus: cf. F. spacieux. See Space, n.]
1. Extending far and wide; vast in extent. "A spacious plain outstretched in circuit wide." Milton.
2. Inclosing an extended space; having large or ample room; not contracted or narrow; capacious; roomy; as, spacious bounds; a spacious church; a spacious hall. — Spa"cious*ly, adv. — Spa"cious*ness, n.
SPADSpad, n. (Mining)
Defn: A nail one or two inches long, of iron, brass, tin, or tinner iron, with a hole through the flattened head, used to mark stations in underground surveying.
SPADASSIN Spa`das`sin", n. Etym: [F., fr. It. spadaccino a swordsman, from spada a sword.]
Defn: A bravo; a bully; a duelist. Ld. Lytton.
SPADDLESpad"dle, n.
Defn: A little spade. [Obs.]
SPADESpade, n. Etym: [Cf. Spay, n.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A hart or stag three years old. [Written also spaid, spayade.]
2. Etym: [Cf. L. spado.]
Defn: A castrated man or beast.
SPADE Spade, n. Etym: [AS. spæd; spada; akin to D. spade, G. spaten, Icel. spaedhi, Dan. & Sw. spade, L. spatha a spatula, a broad two-edged sword, a spathe, Gr. spa`qh. Cf. Epaulet, Spade at cards, Spathe, Spatula.]
1. An implement for digging or cutting the ground, consisting usually of an oblong and nearly rectangular blade of iron, with a handle like that of a shovel. "With spade and pickax armed." Milton.
2. Etym: [Sp. espada, literally, a sword; — so caused because these cards among the Spanish bear the figure of a sword. Sp. espada is fr. L. spatha, Gr. spa`qh. See the Etymology above.]
Defn: One of that suit of cards each of which bears one or more figures resembling a spade. "Let spades be trumps!" she said. Pope.
3. A cutting instrument used in flensing a whale. Spade bayonet, a bayonet with a broad blade which may be used digging; — called also trowel bayonet. — Spade handle (Mach.), the forked end of a connecting rod in which a pin is held at both ends. See Illust. of Knuckle joint, under Knuckle.
SPADESpade, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Spading.]
Defn: To dig with a spade; to pare off the sward of, as land, with a spade.
SPADEBONESpade"bone` (, n.
Defn: Shoulder blade. [Prov. Eng.]
SPADEFISHSpade"fish`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An American market fish (Chætodipterus faber) common on the southern coasts; — called also angel fish, moonfish, and porgy.
SPADEFOOTSpade"foot`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any species of burrowing toads of the genus Scaphiopus, esp. S.Holbrookii, of the Eastern United States; — called also spade toad.
SPADEFULSpade"ful, n.; pl. Spadefuls. Etym: [Spade + full.]
Defn: As much as a spade will hold or lift.
SPADERSpad"er, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, spades; specifically, a digging machine.
SPADICEOUS Spa*di"ceous, a. Etym: [L. spadix, -icis, a date-brown or nut-brown color. See Spadix.]
1. Of a bright clear brown or chestnut color. Sir T. Browne.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Bearing flowers on a spadix; of the nature of a spadix.
SPADICOSESpa"di*cose`, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Spadiceous.
SPADILLESpa*dille", n. Etym: [F., fr. Sp. espadilla, dim. of espada. SeeSpade a card.] (Card Playing)
Defn: The ace of spades in omber and quadrille.
SPADIX Spa"dix, n.; pl. L. Spadices, E. Spadixes. Etym: [L., a palm branch broken off, with its fruit, Gr.
1. (Bot.)
Defn: A fleshy spike of flowers, usually inclosed in a leaf called a spathe.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A special organ of the nautilus, due to a modification of the posterior tentacles.
SPADOSpa"do, n.; pl. Spadones. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. Same as Spade, 2.
2. (Law)
Defn: An impotent person.
SPADROONSpa*droon", n. Etym: [Cf. F. & Sp. espadon, It. spadone. See Espadon,Spade.]
Defn: A sword, especially a broadsword, formerly used both to cut and thrust.
SPAESpae, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Spaed; p. pr. & vb. n. Spaeing.] Etym:[Scot. spae, spay, to foretell, to divine, Icel. spa.]
Defn: To foretell; to divine. [Scot.]
SPAEMANSpae"man, n.
Defn: A prophet; a diviner. [Scot.]
SPAEWIFESpae"wife`, n.
Defn: A female fortune teller. [Scot.]
SPAGHETTISpa*ghet"ti, n. Etym: [It.]
Defn: A variety or macaroni made in tubes of small diameter.
SPAGYRIC; SPAGYRICAL Spa*gyr"ic, Spa*gyr"ic*al, a. Etym: [LL. sparygicus, fr. Gr. spagirique.]
Defn: Chemical; alchemical. [Obs.]
SPAGYRICSpa*gyr"ic, n.
Defn: A spagyrist. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
SPAGYRISTSpag"y*rist, n. Etym: [Cf. F. spagiriste.]
1. A chemist, esp. one devoted to alchemistic pursuits. [Obs.]
2. One of a sect which arose in the days of alchemy, who sought to discover remedies for disease by chemical means. The spagyrists historically preceded the iatrochemists. Encyc. Brit.
SPAHI; SPAHEESpa"hi, Spa"hee, n. Etym: [Per., Turk., & Hind. sipahi: cf. F. spahi.See Seroy.]
1. Formerly, one of the Turkish cavalry.
2. An Algerian cavalryman in the French army.
SPAIDSpaid, n.
Defn: See 1st Spade.
SPAKESpake, archaic
Defn: imp. of Speak.
SPAKENETSpake"net`, n. Etym: [Etymol. uncertain.]
Defn: A net for catching crabs. Halliwell.
SPAKYSpak"y, a.
Defn: Specky. [Obs.] hapman.
SPALDING KNIFESpald"ing knife`.
Defn: A spalting knife.
SPALESpale, n. Etym: [Cf. Spell a splinter.]
1. A lath; a shaving or chip, as of wood or stone. [Prov. Eng. & Scot.]
2. (Shipbuilding)
Defn: A strengthening cross timber.
SPALLSpall, n. Etym: [OF. espaule; cf. It. spalla. See Epaule.]
Defn: The shoulder. [Obs.] Spenser.
SPALLSpall, n. Etym: [Prov. E. spall, spell. See Spale, Spell a splinter.]
Defn: A chip or fragment, especially a chip of stone as struck off the block by the hammer, having at least one feather-edge.
SPALLSpall, v. t.
1. (Mining)
Defn: To break into small pieces, as ore, for the purpose of separating from rock. Pryce.
2. (Masonry)
Defn: To reduce, as irregular blocks of stone, to an approximately level surface by hammering.
SPALLSpall, v. i.
Defn: To give off spalls, or wedge-shaped chips; — said of stone, as when badly set, with the weight thrown too much on the outer surface.
SPALPEEN Spal"peen, n. Etym: [Ir. spailpin, fr. spailp a beau, pride, self- conceit.]
Defn: A scamp; an Irish term for a good-for-nothing fellow; — often used in good-humored contempt or ridicule. [Colloq.]
SPALTSpalt, n. Etym: [Cf. G. spaltstein, from spalten to split. See 1stSpell.] (Metal.)
Defn: Spelter. [Colloq.]
SPALTSpalt, a. Etym: [See 1st Spell.]
1. Liable to break or split; brittle; as, spalt timber. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
2. Heedless; clumsy; pert; saucy. [Prov. Eng.]
SPALTSpalt, v. t. & i. Etym: [Cf. OE. spalden. See Spalt, a.]
Defn: To split off; to cleave off, as chips from a piece of timber, with an ax. [Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]
SPALTING KNIFESpalt"ing knife`.
Defn: A knife used in splitting codfish. [Written also spalding knife.]
SPANSpan, archaic
Defn: imp. & p. p. of Spin.
SPANSpan, n. Etym: [AS. spann; akin to D. span, OHG. spanna, G. spanne,Icel. spönn. sq. root170. See Span, v. t. ]
1. The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom.
2. Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time. Yet not to earth's contracted span Thy goodness let me bound. Pope. Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy. Farquhar.
3. The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports.
4. (Naut.)
Defn: A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used.
5. Etym: [Cf. D. span, Sw. spann, Dan. spænd, G. gespann. See Span, v. t. ]
Defn: A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in color, form, and action. Span blocks (Naut.), blocks at the topmast and topgallant-mast heads, for the studding-sail halyards. — Span counter, an old English child's game, in which one throws a counter on the ground, and another tries to hit it with his counter, or to get his counter so near it that he can span the space between them, and touch both the counters. Halliwell. "Henry V., in whose time boys went to span counter for French crowns." Shak. — Span iron (Naut.), a special kind of harpoon, usually secured just below the gunwale of a whaleboat. — Span roof, a common roof, having two slopes and one ridge, with eaves on both sides. Gwilt. — Span shackle (Naut.), a large bolt driven through the forecastle deck, with a triangular shackle in the head to receive the heel of the old-fashioned fish davit. Ham. Nav. Encyc.
SPANSpan, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanned; p. pr. & vb. n. Spanning.] Etym:[AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spänna, Dan.spænde, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. spatium space. sq. root170.Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.]
1. To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder. My right hand hath spanned the heavens. Isa. xiviii. 13.
2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch. The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. prescott.
3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.
SPANSpan, v. i.
Defn: To be matched, as horses. [U. S.]
SPANAEMIASpa*næ"mi*a, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: A condition of impoverishment of the blood; a morbid state in which the red corpuscles, or other important elements of the blood, are deficient.
SPANAEMICSpa*næ"mic ( or ), a. (Med.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to spanæmia; having impoverished blood.
SPANCELSpan"cel, n. Etym: [Perhaps span + AS. sal a rope.]
Defn: A rope used for tying or hobbling the legs of a horse or cow.[Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.] Grose.
SPANCEL Span"cel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanceled or Spancelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Spanceling or Spancelling.]
Defn: To tie or hobble with a spancel. [Prov. Eng. & Local, U.S.]Malone.
SPANDOGSSpan"dogs`, n. pl.
Defn: A pair of grappling dogs for hoisting logs and timber.
SPANDRELSpan"drel, n. Etym: [From Span.]
1. (Arch.)
Defn: The irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the inclosing right angle; or the space between the outer moldings of two contiguous arches and a horizontal line above them, or another arch above and inclosing them.
2. A narrow mat or passe partout for a picture. [Cant]
SPANE Spane, v. t. Etym: [Akin to G. spänen, LG. & D. spennen, AS. spanu a teat.]
Defn: To wean. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
SPANGSpang, v. t.
Defn: To spangle. [Obs.]
SPANGSpang, v. i.
Defn: To spring; to bound; to leap. [Scot.] But when they spang o'er reason's fence, We smart for't at our own expense. Ramsay.
SPANGSpang, n.
Defn: A bound or spring. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott.
SPANGSpang, n. Etym: [AS. spange a clasp or fastening; akin to D. spang,G. spange, OHG. spanga, Icel. spöng a spangle.]
Defn: A spangle or shining ornament. [Obs.]With glittering spangs that did like stars appear. Spenser.
SPANGLE Span"gle, n. Etym: [OE. spangel, dim. of AS. spange. See Spang a spangle.]
1. A small plate or boss of shining metal; something brilliant used as an ornament, especially when stitched on the dress.
2. Figuratively, any little thing that sparkless. "The rich spangles that adorn the sky." Waller. Oak spangle. See under Oak.
SPANGLESpan"gle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spangled; p. pr. & vb. n. Spangling.]
Defn: To set or sprinkle with, or as with, spangles; to adorn with small, distinct, brilliant bodies; as, a spangled breastplate. Donne. What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty Shak. Spangled coquette (Zoöl.), a tropical humming bird (Lophornis reginæ). See Coquette, 2.
SPANGLESpan"gle, v. i.
Defn: To show brilliant spots or points; to glisten; to glitter. Some men by feigning words as dark as mine Make truth to spangle, and its rays to shine. Bunyan.
SPANGLERSpan"gler, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, spangles.
SPANGLYSpan"gly, a.
Defn: Resembling, or consisting of, spangles; glittering; as, spangly light.
SPANIARDSpan"iard, n.
Defn: A native or inhabitant of Spain.
SPANIEL Span"iel, n. Etym: [OF. espagneul, F. épagneul, espagnol Spanish, Sp. españnol, fr. España Spain, from L. Hispania.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of a breed of small dogs having long and thick hair and large drooping ears. The legs are usually strongly feathered, and the tail bushy. See Illust. under Clumber, and Cocker.
Note: There are several varieties of spaniels, some of which, known as field spaniels, are used in hunting; others are used for toy or pet dogs, as the Blenheim spaniel, and the King Charles spaniel (see under Blenheim). Of the field spaniels, the larger kinds are called springers, and to these belong the Sussex, Norfolk, and Clumber spaniels (see Clumber). The smaller field spaniels, used in hunting woodcock, are called cocker spaniels (see Cocker). Field spaniels are remarkable for their activity and intelligence. As a spaniel she will on him leap. Chaucer.
2. A cringing, fawning person. Shak.
SPANIELSpan"iel, a.
Defn: Cringing; fawning. Shak.
SPANIELSpan"iel, v. i.
Defn: To fawn; to cringe; to be obsequious. [R.] Churchill.
SPANIELSpan"iel, v. t.
Defn: To follow like a spaniel. [R.]
SPANISHSpan"ish, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to Spain or the Spaniards. Spanish bayonet (Bot.), a liliaceous plant (Yucca alorifolia) with rigid spine-tipped leaves. The name is also applied to other similar plants of the Southwestern United States and mexico. Called also Spanish daggers. — Spanish bean (Bot.) See the Note under Bean. — Spanish black, a black pigment obtained by charring cork. Ure. — Spanish broom (Bot.), a leguminous shrub (Spartium junceum) having many green flexible rushlike twigs. — Spanish brown, a species of earth used in painting, having a dark reddish brown color, due to the presence of sesquioxide of iron. — Spanish buckeye (Bot.), a small tree (Ungnadia speciosa) of Texas, New Mexico, etc., related to the buckeye, but having pinnate leaves and a three-seeded fruit. — Spanish burton (Naut.), a purchase composed of two single blocks. A double Spanish burton has one double and two single blocks. Luce (Textbook of Seamanship). — Spanish chalk (Min.), a kind of steatite; — so called because obtained from Aragon in Spain. — Spanish cress (Bot.), a cruciferous plant (lepidium Cadamines), a species of peppergrass. — Spanish curiew (Zoöl.), the long-billed curlew. [U.S.] — Spanish daggers (Bot.) See Spanish bayonet. — Spanish elm (Bot.), a large West Indian tree (Cordia Gerascanthus) furnishing hard and useful timber. — Spanish feretto, a rich reddish brown pigment obtained by calcining copper and sulphur together in closed crucibles. — Spanish flag (Zoöl.), the California rockfish (Sebastichthys rubrivinctus). It is conspicuously colored with bands of red and white. — Spanish fly (Zoöl.), a brilliant green beetle, common in the south of Europe, used for raising blisters. See Blister beetle under Blister, and Cantharis. — Spanish fox (Naut.), a yarn twisted against its lay. — Spanish grass. (Bot.) See Esparto. — Spanish juice (Bot.), licorice. — Spanish leather. See Cordwain. — Spanish mackerel. (Zoöl.) (a) A species of mackerel (Scomber colias) found both in Europe and America. In America called chub mackerel, big-eyed mackerel, and bull mackerel. (b) In the United States, a handsome mackerel having bright yellow round spots (Scomberomorus maculatus), highly esteemed as a food fish. The name is sometimes erroneously applied to other species. See Illust. under Mackerel. — Spanish main, the name formerly given to the southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, together with the contiguous coast, embracing the route traversed by Spanish treasure ships from the New to the Old World. — Spanish moss. (Bot.) See Tillandsia. — Spanish needles (Bot.), a composite weed (Bidens bipinnata) having achenia armed with needlelike awns. — Spanish nut (Bot.), a bulbous plant (Iris Sisyrinchium) of the south of Europe. — Spanish potato (Bot.), the sweet potato. See under Potato. — Spanish red, an ocherous red pigment resembling Venetian red, but slightly yellower and warmer. Fairholt. — Spanish reef (Naut.), a knot tied in the head of a jib-headed sail. — Spanish sheep (Zoöl.), a merino. — Spanish white, an impalpable powder prepared from chalk by pulverizing and repeated washings, — used as a white pigment. — Spanish windlass (Naut.), a wooden roller, with a rope wound about it, into which a marline spike is thrust to serve as a lever.
SPANISHSpan"ish, n.
Defn: The language of Spain.
SPANKSpank (, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanked (; p. pr. & vb. n. Spanking.]Etym: [Of unknown origin; cf. LG. spakken, spenkern, to run andspring about quickly.]
Defn: To strike, as the breech, with the open hand; to slap.
SPANKSpank, n.
Defn: A blow with the open hand; a slap.
SPANKSpank, v. i.
Defn: To move with a quick, lively step between a trot and gallop; to move quickly. Thackeray.
SPANKERSpank"er, n.
1. One who spanks, or anything used as an instrument for spanking.
2. (Naut.)
Defn: The after sail of a ship or bark, being a fore-and-aft sail attached to a boom and gaff; — sometimes called driver. See Illust. under Sail. Totten.
3. One who takes long, quick strides in walking; also, a fast horse. [Colloq.]
4. Something very large, or larger than common; a whopper, as a stout or tall person. [Colloq.] Spanker boom (Naut.), a boom to which a spanker sail is attached. See Illust. of Ship.
SPANKERSpank"er, n.
Defn: A small coin. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.]
SPANKINGSpank"ing, a.
1. Moving with a quick, lively pace, or capable of so doing; dashing. Four spanking grays ready harnessed. G. Colman, the Younger.
2. Large; considerable. [Colloq.]
SPANKING BREEZESpanking breeze (Naut.),
Defn: a strong breeze.
SPANLESSSpan"less, a.
Defn: Incapable of being spanned.
SPANNERSpan"ner, n.
1. One who, or that which, spans.
2. The lock of a fusee or carbine; also, the fusee or carbine itself. [Obs.]
3. An iron instrument having a jaw to fit a nut or the head of a bolt, and used as a lever to turn it with; a wrench; specifically, a wrench for unscrewing or tightening the couplings of hose.
4. pl.
Defn: A contrivance in some of the ealier steam engines for moving the valves for the alternate admission and shutting off of the steam.
SPAN-NEW Span"-new`, a. Etym: [Icel. spann, properly, new as a ship just split; spann chip + n new. See Spoon, and New.]
Defn: Quite new; brand-new; fire-new. "A span-new archbishop's chair." Fuller.
SPANNISHINGSpan"nish*ing, n. Etym: [From OF. espanir to spread, F. épanou. SeeExpand.]
Defn: The full blooming of a flower. [Obs.] Rom. of R.
SPANPIECESpan"piece, n. (Arch.)
Defn: The collar of a roof; sparpiece.
SPANWORMSpan"worm`, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The larva of any geometrid moth, as the cankeworm; a geometer; a measuring worm.
SPARSpar, n. Etym: [AS. spær in spærstan chalkstone; akin to MHG. spar,G. sparkalk plaster.] (Min.)
Defn: An old name for a nonmetallic mineral, usually cleavable and somewhat lustrous; as, calc spar, or calcite, fluor spar, etc. It was especially used in the case of the gangue minerals of a metalliferous vein. Blue spar, Cube spar, etc. See under Blue, Cube, etc.
SPARSpar, n. Etym: [OE. sparre; akin to D. spar, G. sparren, OHG. sparro,Dan.& Sw. sparre, Icel. sparri; of uncertain origin. Spar, v. t. ]
1. (Naut.)
Defn: A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff.
2. (Arch.)
Defn: Formerly, a piece of timber, in a general sense; — still applied locally to rafters.
3. The bar of a gate or door. [Obs.] Chaucer. Spar buoy (Naut.), a buoy anchored by one end so that the other end rises above the surface of the water. — Spar deck (Naut.), the upper deck of a vessel; especially, in a frigate, the deck which is continued in a straight line from the quarter-deck to the forecastle, and on which spare spars are usually placed. See under Deck. — Spar torpedo (Naut.), a torpedo carried on the end of a spar usually projecting from the bow of a vessel, and intended to explode upon contact with an enemy's ships.
SPARSpar, v. t. Etym: [OE. sparren, AS. sparrian; akin to G. sperren,Icel. sperra; from the noun. sq. root171. See Spara beam, bar.]
1. To bolt; to bar. [Obs.] Chaucer.
2. To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel.
Note: A vessel equipped with spars that are too large or too small is said to be oversparred or undersparred.
SPARSpar, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparred; p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.] Etym:[Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick, F. éparer, or Icel.sperra to stretch out the legs, to struggle.]
1. To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do.
2. To use the fists and arms scientifically in attack or defense; to contend or combat with the fists, as for exercise or amusement; to box. Made believe to spar at Paul with great science. Dickens.
3. To contest in words; to wrangle. [Colloq.]
SPARSpar, n.
1. A contest at sparring or boxing.
2. A movement of offense or defense in boxing.
SPARABLESpar"a*ble, n. Etym: [Corrupted from sparrow bill.]
Defn: A kind of small nail used by shoemakers.
SPARADASpar"a*da, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A small California surf fish (Micrometrus aggregatus); — called also shiner.
SPARADRAP Spar"a*drap, n. Etym: [F. sparadrap; cf. It. sparadrappo, NL. sparadrapa.]
1. A cerecloth. [Obs.]
2. (Med.)
Defn: Any adhesive plaster.
SPARAGE; SPARAGUS; SPARAGRASSSpar"age, Spar"a*gus, Spar"a*grass`, n.
Defn: Obs. or corrupt forms of Asparagus.
SPARBLESpar"ble, v. t. Etym: [OF. esparpiller to scatter, F. éparpiller.]
Defn: To scatter; to disperse; to rout. [Obs.]The king's host was sparbled and chased. Fabyan.
SPARESpare, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spared; p. pr. & vb. n.n Sparing.] Etym:[AS. sparian, fr. spær spare, sparing, saving; akin to D. & G.sparen, OHG. spar, Icel. & Sw. spara, Dan. spare See Spare, a.]
1. To use frugally or stintingly, as that which is scarce or valuable; to retain or keep unused; to save. "No cost would he spare." Chaucer. [Thou] thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare. Milton. He that hath knowledge, spareth his words. Prov. xvii. 27.
2. To keep to one's self; to forbear to impart or give.Be pleased your plitics to spare. Dryden.Spare my sight the pain Of seeing what a world of tears it costs you.Dryden.
3. To preserve from danger or punishment; to forbear to punish, injure, or harm; to show mercy to. Spare us, good Lord. Book of Common Prayer. Dim sadness did not spare That time celestial visages. Milton. Man alone can whom he conquers spare. Waller.
4. To save or gain, as by frugality; to reserve, as from some occupation, use, or duty. All the time he could spare from the necessary cares of his weighty charge, he Knolles.
5. To deprive one's self of, as by being frugal; to do without; to dispense with; to give up; to part with. Where angry Jove did never spare One breath of kind and temperate air. Roscommon. I could have better spared a better man. Shak. To spare one's self. (a) To act with reserve. [Obs.] Her thought that a lady should her spare. Chaucer. (b) To save one's self labor, punishment, or blame.
SPARESpare, v. i.
1. To be frugal; not to be profuse; to live frugally; to be parsimonious. I, who at some times spend, at others spare, Divided between carelessness and care. Pope.
2. To refrain from inflicting harm; to use mercy or forbearance. He will not spare in the day of vengeance. Prov. vi. 34.
3. To desist; to stop; to refrain. [Obs.] Chaucer.
SPARE Spare, a. [Compar. Sparer; superl. Sparest; — not used in all the senses of the word.] Etym: [AS. spær sparing. Cf. Spare, v. t. ]
1. Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.
2. Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary. He was spare, but discreet of speech. Carew.
3. Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time. If that no spare clothes he had to give. Spenser.
4. Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.
5. Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt. O, give me the spare men, and spare me the great ones. Shak.
6. Slow. [Obs. or prov. Eng.] Grose.
SPARESpare, n.
1. The act of sparing; moderation; restraint. [Obs.] Killing for sacrifice, without any spare. Holland.
2. Parsimony; frugal use. [Obs.] Bacon. Poured out their plenty without spite or spare. Spenser.
3. An opening in a petticoat or gown; a placket. [Obs.]
4. That which has not been used or expended.
5. (Tenpins)
Defn: The right of bowling again at a full set of pins, after having knocked all the pins down in less than three bowls. If all the pins are knocked down in one bowl it is a double spare; in two bowls, a single spare.
SPAREFULSpare"ful, a.
Defn: Sparing; chary. [Obs.] Fairfax.— Spare"ful*ness, n. [Obs.] Sir P. Sidney.
SPARELESSSpare"less, a.
Defn: Unsparing. Sylvester.
SPARELYSpare"ly, adv.
Defn: In a spare manner; sparingly.
SPARENESSSpare"ness, n. Etym: [Cf. AS. spærnis frugality.]
Defn: The quality or state of being lean or thin; leanness.
SPARERSpar"er, n.
Defn: One who spares.
SPARERIBSpare"rib`, n. Etym: [Spare, a. + rib.]
Defn: A piece of pork, consisting or ribs with little flesh on them.
SPARGESparge, v. t. Etym: [L. spargere; cf. F. asperger.]
Defn: To sprinkle; to moisten by sprinkling; as, to sparge paper.
SPARGEFACTION Spar`ge*fac"tion, n. Etym: [L. spargere to strew + facere, factum, to make.]
Defn: The act of sprinkling. [Obs.] Swift.
SPARGER Spar"ger, n. Etym: [Cf. F. asperger to sprinkle, L. aspergere, spargere.]
Defn: A vessel with a perforated cover, for sprinkling with a liquid; a sprinkler.
SPARHAWKSpar"hawk`, n. Etym: [OE. sperhauke.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The sparrow hawk. [Prov. Eng.]
SPAR-HUNGSpar"-hung`, a.
Defn: Hung with spar, as a cave.
SPARINGSpar"ing, a.
Defn: Spare; saving; frugal; merciful. Bacon.— Spar"ing*ly, adv.— Spar"ing*ness, n.
SPARK Spark, n. Etym: [OE. sparke, AS. spearca; akin to D. spark, sperk; cf. Icel. spraka to crackle, Lith. spragëti, Gr. sph to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Speak.]
1. A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted by a body in combustion. Man is born unto trouble, as hte sparks fly upward. Job v. 7.
2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a sparkle.
3. That which, like a spark, may be kindled into a flame, or into action; a feeble germ; an elementary principle. "If any spark of life be yet remaining." Shak. "Small intellectual spark." Macaulay. "Vital spark of heavenly flame." Pope. We have here and there a little clear light, some sparks of bright knowledge. Locke. Bright gem instinct with music, vocal spark. Wordsworth. Spark arrester, a contrivance to prevent the escape of sparks while it allows the passage of gas, — chiefly used in the smokestack of a wood-burning locomotive. Called also spark consumer. [U.S.]
SPARKSpark, n. Etym: [Icel. sparkr lively, sprightly.]
1. A brisk, showy, gay man. The finest sparks and cleanest beaux. Prior.
2. A lover; a gallant; a beau.
SPARKSpark, v. i.
Defn: To sparkle. [Obs.] Spenser.
SPARKSpark, v. i.
Defn: To play the spark, beau, or lover. A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within. W. Irwing.
SPARK COIL Spark coil. (Elec.) (a) An induction coil, esp. of an internal-combustion engine, wireless telegraph apparatus, etc. (b) A self-induction coil used to increase the spark in an electric gas-lighting apparatus.
SPARKERSpark"er, n.
Defn: A spark arrester.
SPARKFULSpark"ful, a.
Defn: Lively; brisk; gay. [Obs.] "Our sparkful youth." Camden.
SPARK GAPSpark gap. (Elec.)
Defn: The space filled with air or other dielectric between high potential terminals (as of an electrostatic machine, induction coil, or condenser), through which the discharge passes; the air gap of a jump spark.
SPARKISHSpark"ish, a.
1. Like a spark; airy; gay. W. Walsh.
2. Showy; well-dresed; fine. L'Estrange.
SPARKLESpar"kle, n. Etym: [Dim. of spark.]
1. A little spark; a scintillation. As fire is wont to quicken and go From a sparkle sprungen amiss, Till a city brent up is. Chaucer. The shock was sufficiently strong to strike out some sparkles of his fiery temper. Prescott.
2. Brilliancy; luster; as, the sparkle of a diamond.
SPARKLESpar"kle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparkled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sparkling.]Etym: [See Sparkle, n., Spark of fire.]
1. To emit sparks; to throw off ignited or incandescent particles; to shine as if throwing off sparks; to emit flashes of light; to scintillate; to twinkle; as, the blazing wood sparkles; the stars sparkle. A mantelet upon his shoulder hanging Bretful of rubies red, as fire sparkling. Chaucer.
2. To manifest itself by, or as if by, emitting sparks; to glisten; to flash. I see bright honor sparkle through your eyes. Milton.
3. To emit little bubbles, as certain kinds of liquors; to effervesce; as, sparkling wine.
Syn. — To shine; glisten; scintillate; radiate; coruscate; glitter; twinkle.
SPARKLESpar"kle, v. t.
Defn: To emit in the form or likeness of sparks. "Did sparkle forth great light." Spenser.
SPARKLESpar"kle, v. t. Etym: [Cf. Sparble.]
1. To disperse. [Obs.]The Landgrave hath sparkled his army without any further enterprise.State Papers.
2. To scatter on or over. [Obs.] Purchas.
SPARKLERSpar"kler, n.
Defn: One who scatters; esp., one who scatters money; an improvident person. [Obs.]
SPARKLERSpar"kler, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, sparkles.
SPARKLERSpar"kler, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A tiger beetle.
SPARKLETSpark"let, n.
Defn: A small spark. [Obs.]
SPARKLINESSSpark"li*ness, n.
Defn: Vivacity. [Obs.] Aubrey.
SPARKLINGSpar"kling, a.
Defn: Emitting sparks; glittering; flashing; brilliant; lively; as,sparkling wine; sparkling eyes.— Spar"kling*ly, adv.— Spar"kling*ness, n.
Syn.— Brilliant; shining. See Shining.
SPARK PLUGSpark plug.
Defn: In internal-combustion engines with electric ignition, a plug, screwed into the cylinder head, having through it an insulated wire which is connected with the induction coil or magneto circuit on the outside, and forms, with another terminal on the base of the plug, a spark gap inside the cylinder.
SPARLING Spar"ling, n. Etym: [Akin to G. spierling, spiering, D. spiering: cf. F. éperlan.] (Zoöl.) (a) The European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus). (b) A young salmon. (c) A tern. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
SPARLYRESpar"lyre`, n. Etym: [AS. spear-lira.]
Defn: The calf of the leg. [Obs.] Wyclif (Deut. xxviii. 35).
SPAROIDSpa"roid, a. Etym: [L. sparus the gilthead + -oid: cf. F. sparoïde.](Zoöl.)
Defn: of or pertaining to the Sparidæ, a family of spinous-finned fishes which includes the scup, sheepshead, and sea bream. — n.
Defn: One of the Sparidæ.
SPARPIECESpar"piece`, n. (Arch.)
Defn: The collar beam of a roof; the spanpiece. Gwilt.
SPARPOILSpar"poil, v. t. Etym: [See Sparble.]
Defn: To scatter; to spread; to disperse. [Obs.]
SPARROW Spar"row, n. Etym: [OE. sparwe, AS. spearwa; akin to OHG. sparo, G. sperling, Icel. spörr, Dan. spurv, spurre, Sw. sparf, Goth. sparwa; - - originally, probably, the quiverer or flutterer, and akin to E. spurn. See Spurn, and cf. Spavin.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of many species of small singing birds of the family Fringilligæ, having conical bills, and feeding chiefly on seeds. Many sparrows are called also finches, and buntings. The common sparrow, or house sparrow, of Europe (Passer domesticus) is noted for its familiarity, its voracity, its attachment to its young, and its fecundity. See House sparrow, under House.
Note: The following American species are well known; the chipping sparrow, or chippy, the sage sparrow, the savanna sparrow, the song sparrow, the tree sparrow, and the white-throated sparrow (see Peabody bird). See these terms under Sage, Savanna, etc.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any one of several small singing birds somewhat resembling the true sparrows in form or habits, as the European hedge sparrow. See under Hedge. He that doth the ravens feed, Yea, providently caters for the sparrow, Be comfort to my age! Shak. Field sparrow, Fox sparrow, etc. See under Field, Fox, etc. — Sparrow bill, a small nail; a castiron shoe nail; a sparable. — Sparrow hawk. (Zoöl.) (a) A small European hawk (Accipiter nisus) or any of the allied species. (b) A small American falcon (Falco sparverius). (c) The Australian collared sparrow hawk (Accipiter torquatus).
Note: The name is applied to other small hawks, as the European kestrel and the New Zealand quail hawk. — Sparrow owl (Zoöl.), a small owl (Glaucidium passerinum) found both in the Old World and the New. The name is also applied to other species of small owls. — Sparrow spear (Zoöl.), the female of the reed bunting. [Prov. Eng.]
SPARROWGRASSSpar"row*grass`, n. Etym: [Corrupted from asparagus.]
Defn: Asparagus. [Colloq.] See the Note under Asparagus.
SPARROWWORTSpar"row*wort`, n. (Bot.)
Defn: An evergreen shrub of the genus Erica (E. passerina).
SPARRYSpar"ry, a. Etym: [From Spar.]
Defn: Resembling spar, or consisting of spar; abounding with spar;having a confused crystalline structure; spathose. Sparry iron(Min.), siderite. See Siderite (a).— Sparry limestone (Min.), a coarsely crystalline marble.
SPARSE Sparse, a. [Compar. Sparser; superl. Sparsest.] Etym: [L. sparsus, p.p. of spargere to strew, scatter. Cf. Asperse, Disperse.]
1. Thinly scattered; set or planted here and there; not being dense or close together; as, a sparse population. Carlyle.
2. (Bot.)
Defn: Placed irregularly and distantly; scattered; — applied to branches, leaves, peduncles, and the like.
SPARSESparse, v. t. Etym: [L. sparsus, p.p. of spargere to scatter.]
Defn: To scatter; to disperse. [Obs.] Spenser.
SPARSEDLYSpars"ed*ly, adv.
Defn: Sparsely. [Obs.]
SPARSELYSparse"ly, adv.
Defn: In a scattered or sparse manner.
SPARSENESSSparse"ness, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being sparse; as, sparseness of population.
SPARSIMSpar"sim, adv. Etym: [L., fr. spargere to scatter.]
Defn: Sparsely; scatteredly; here and there.
SPARTANSpar"tan, a. Etym: [L. Spartanus.]
Defn: of or pertaining to Sparta, especially to ancient Sparta; hence, hardy; undaunted; as, Spartan souls; Spartan bravey. — n.
Defn: A native or inhabitant of Sparta; figuratively, a person of great courage and fortitude.
SPARTEINESpar"te*ine, n. (Chem.)
Defn: A narcotic alkaloid extracted from the tops of the common broom (Cytisus scoparius, formerly Spartium scoparium), as a colorless oily liquid of aniline-like odor and very bitter taste.
SPARTERIESpar"ter*ie, n. Etym: [F., from Sp. esparto esparto, L. spartum, Gr.
Defn: Articles made of the blades or fiber of the Lygeum Spartum and Stipa (or Macrochloa) tenacissima, kinds of grass used in Spain and other countries for making ropes, mats, baskets, nets, and mattresses. Loudon.
SPARTHSparth, n. Etym: [Cf. Icel. spar.]
Defn: An Anglo-Saxon battle-ax, or halberd. [Obs.]He hath a sparth of twenty pound of weight. Chaucer.
SPARVESparve, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: The hedge sparrow. [Prov. Eng.]
SPARYSpar"y, a.
Defn: Sparing; parsimonious. [Obs.]
SPASMSpasm, n. Etym: [F. spasme, L. spasmus, Gr. Span, v. t.]
1. (Med.)
Defn: An involuntary and unnatural contraction of one or more muscles or muscular fibers.
Note: Spasm are usually either clonic or tonic. In clonic spasm, the muscles or muscular fibers contract and relax alternately in very quick succession. In tonic spasm, the contraction is steady and uniform, and continues for a comparatively long time, as in tetanus.
2. A sudden, violent, and temporary effort or emotion; as, a spasm of repentance. Cynic spasm (Med.) See under Cynic. — Spasm of the chest. See Angina pectoris, under Angina.
SPASMATICALSpas*mat"ic*al, a.
Defn: Spasmodic. [Obs.]
SPASMODICSpas"mod"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. spasmotique.]
1. (Med.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to spasm; consisting in spasm; occuring in, or characterized by, spasms; as, a spasmodic asthma.
2. Soon relaxed or exhausted; convulsive; intermittent; as, spasmodic zeal or industry. Spasmodic croup (Med.), an affection of childhood characterized by a stoppage of brathing developed suddenly and without fever, and produced by spasmodic contraction of the vocal cords. It is sometimes fatal. Called also laryngismus stridulus, and childcrowing. — Spasmodic stricture, a stricture caused by muscular spasm without structural change. See Organic stricture, under Organic.
SPASMODICSpas*mod"ic, n. (Med.)
Defn: A medicine for spasm.
SPASMODICALSpas*mod"ic*al, a.
Defn: Same as Spasmodic, a.— Spas*mod"ic*al*ly, adv.
SPASTICSpas"tic, a. Etym: [L. spasticus, Gr. spastique. See Spasm.] (Med.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to spasm; spasmodic; especially, pertaining to tonic spasm; tetanic.
SPASTICALLYSpas"tic*al*ly, adv.
Defn: Spasmodically.
SPASTICITYSpas*tic"i*ty, n.
1. A state of spasm.
2. The tendency to, or capability of suffering, spasm.
SPATSpat,
Defn: imp. of Spit. [Obs. or R.]
SPAT Spat, n. Etym: [From the root of spit; hence, literally, that which is ejected.]
Defn: A young oyster or other bivalve mollusk, both before and after it first becomes adherent, or such young, collectively.
SPATSpat, v. i. & t.
Defn: To emit spawn; to emit, as spawn.
SPATSpat, n. Etym: [Cf. Pat.]
1. A light blow with something flat. [U.S. & Prov. Eng.]
2. Hence, a petty combat, esp. a verbal one; a little quarrel, dispute, or dissension. [U. S.]
SPATSpat, v. i.
Defn: To dispute. [R.] Smart.
SPATSpat, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spatted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spatting.]
Defn: To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as the hands.[Local, U.S.]Little Isabel leaped up and down, spatting her hands. Judd.
SPATANGOIDSpa*tan"goid, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Spatangoidea.— n.
Defn: One of the Spatangoidea.
SPATANGOIDEASpat`an*goi"de*a, n. pl. Etym: [NL. See Spatangus, and -oid.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: An order of irregular sea urchins, usually having a more or less heart-shaped shell with four or five petal-like ambulacra above. The mouth is edentulous and situated anteriorly, on the under side.
SPATANGUSSpa*tan"gus, n. Etym: [NL., fr. L. spatangius a kind of sea urchin,Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of heart-shaped sea urchins belonging to theSpatangoidea.
SPATCHCOCKSpatch"cock`, n.
Defn: See Spitchcock.
SPATESpate, n. Etym: [Of Celtic origin; cf. Ir. speid.]
Defn: A river flood; an overflow or inundation. Burns.Gareth in a showerful spring Stared at the spate. Tennyson.
SPATHASpa"tha, n,; pl. Spathæ. Etym: [L.] (Bot.)
Defn: A spathe.
SPATHACEOUSSpa*tha"ceous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Having a spathe; resembling a spathe; spathal.
SPATHALSpa"thal, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Furnished with a spathe; as, spathal flowers. Howitt.
SPATHESpathe, n. Etym: [L. spatha, Gr. spathe. See Spade for digging.](Bot.)
Defn: A special involucre formed of one leaf and inclosing a spadix, as in aroid plants and palms. See the Note under Bract, and Illust. of Spadix.
Note: The name is also given to the several-leaved involucre of the iris and other similar plants.
SPATHEDSpathed, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Having a spathe or calyx like a sheath.
SPATHICSpath"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. F. spathique, fr. F. & G. spath spar.]
Defn: Like spar; foliated or lamellar; spathose. Spathic iron (Min.), siderite. See Siderite (a).
SPATHIFORMSpath"i*form, a. Etym: [F. spathiforme.]
Defn: Resembling spar in form. "The ocherous, spathiform, and mineralized forms of uranite." Lavoisier (Trans.).
SPATHOSESpath"ose`, a. (Min.)
Defn: See Spathic.
SPATHOSESpath"ose`, a. Etym: [See Spathe.] (Bot.)
Defn: Having a spathe; resembling a spathe; spatheceous; spathal.
SPATHOUSSpath"ous, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Spathose.
SPATHULATESpath"u*late, a.
Defn: See Spatulate.
SPATIALSpa"tial, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to space. "Spatial quantity and relations." L.H. Atwater.
SPATIALLYSpa"tial*ly, adv.
Defn: As regards space.
SPATIATE Spa"ti*ate, v. t. Etym: [L. spatiatus, p.p. of spatiari, fr. spatiatum. See Space.]
Defn: To rove; to ramble. [Obs.] Bacon.
SPATTERSpat"ter, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spattered; p. pr. & vb. n. Spattering.]Etym: [From the root of spit salvia.]
1. To sprinkle with a liquid or with any wet substance, as water, mud, or the like; to make wet of foul spots upon by sprinkling; as, to spatter a coat; to spatter the floor; to spatter boots with mud. Upon any occasion he is to be spattered over with the blood of his people. Burke.
2. To distribute by sprinkling; to sprinkle around; as, to spatter blood. Pope.
3. Fig.: To injure by aspersion; to defame; to soil; also, to throw out in a defamatory manner.
SPATTERSpat"ter, v. i.
Defn: To throw something out of the mouth in a scattering manner; to sputter. That mind must needs be irrecoverably depraved, which, . . . tasting but once of one just deed, spatters at it, and abhors the relish ever after. Milton.
SPATTERDASHEDSpat"ter*dashed`, a.
Defn: Wearing spatterdashes. [Colloq.] Thackeray.
SPATTERDASHESSpat"ter*dash`es, n. pl. Etym: [Spatter + dash.]
Defn: Coverings for the legs, to protect them from water and mud; long gaiters.
SPATTER-DOCKSpat`ter-dock`, n. (Bot.)
Defn: The common yellow water lily (Nuphar advena).
SPATTLESpat"tle, n.
Defn: Spawl; spittle. [Obs.] Bale.
SPATTLESpat"tle, n.
1. A spatula.
2. (Pottery)
Defn: A tool or implement for mottling a molded article with coloring matter Knoght.
SPATTLING-POPPYSpat"tling-pop"py, n. Etym: [Prov. E. spattle to spit + E. poppy.](Bot.)
Defn: A kind of catchfly (Silene inflata) which is sometimes frothy from the action of captured insects.
SPATULASpat"u*la, n. Etym: [L. spatula, spathula, dim. of spatha a spatula:F. spatule. See Spade for digging.]
Defn: An implement shaped like a knife, flat, thin, and somewhat flexible, used for spreading paints, fine plasters, drugs in compounding prescriptions, etc. Cf. Palette knife, under Palette.
SPATULATESpat"u*late, a. Etym: [NL. spatulatus.] (Nat. Hist.)
Defn: Shaped like spatula, or like a battledoor, being roundish, with a long, narrow, linear base. [Also written spathulate.]
SPAULDSpauld, n. Etym: [See Spall the shoulder.]
Defn: The shoulder. [Scot.]
SPAVIN Spav"in, n. Etym: [OE. spaveyne, OF. esparvain, F. éparvin; akin to OF. espervier a sparrow hawk, F. épervier, fr. OHG. sparwari (G. sperber), fr. OHG. sparo sparrow, because this disease makes the horse raise the infirm leg in the manner of a sparrow hawk or sparrow. See Sparrow.] (Far.)
Defn: A disease of horses characterized by a bony swelling developed on the hock as the result of inflammation of the bones; also, the swelling itself. The resulting lameness is due to the inflammation, and not the bony tumor as popularly supposed. Harbaugh. Bog spavin, a soft swelling produced by distention of the capsular ligament of the hock; — called also blood spavin. — Bone spavin, spavin attended with exostosis; ordinary spavin.
SPAVINEDSpav"ined, a.
Defn: Affected with spavin.
SPAWSpaw, n.
Defn: See Spa.
SPAWLSpawl, n.
Defn: A splinter or fragment, as of wood or stone. See Spall.
SPAWL Spawl, n. Etym: [Cf. AS. spatl, fr. spætan to spit; probably akin to spiwan, E. spew. Cf. Spew.]
Defn: Scattered or ejected spittle.
SPAWLSpawl, v. i. & t. [imp. & p. p. Spawled; p. pr. & vb. n. Spawling.]Etym: [Cf. AS. spatlian.]
Defn: To scatter spittle from the mouth; to spit, as saliva. Why must he sputter, spawl, and slaver it In vain, against the people's favorite. Swift.
SPAWLINGSpawl"ing, n.
Defn: That which is spawled, or spit out.
SPAWNSpawn, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spawned; p. pr. & vb. n. Spawning.] Etym:[OE. spanen, OF. espandre, properly, to shed, spread, L. expandere tospread out. See Expand.]
1. To produce or deposit (eggs), as fishes or frogs do.
2. To bring forth; to generate; — used in contempt. One edition [of books] spawneth another. Fuller.
SPAWNSpawn, v. i.
1. To deposit eggs, as fish or frogs do.
2. To issue, as offspring; — used contemptuously.
SPAWNSpawn, n. Etym: [sq. root170. See Spawn, v. t.]
1. The ova, or eggs, of fishes, oysters, and other aquatic animals.
2. Any product or offspring; — used contemptuously.
3. (Hort.)
Defn: The buds or branches produced from underground stems.
4. (Bot.)
Defn: The white fibrous matter forming the matrix from which fungi.Spawn eater (Zoöl.), a small American cyprinoid fish (NotropisHudsonius) allied to the dace.
SPAWNERSpawn"er, n.
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A mature female fish. The barbel, for the preservation or their seed, both the spawner and the milter, cover their spawn with sand. Walton.
2. Whatever produces spawn of any kind.
SPAYSpay, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spayed; p. pr. & vb. n. Spaying.] Etym:[Cf. Armor. spac'hein, spaza to geld, W. dyspaddu to geld, L. spado aeunuch, Gr.
Defn: To remove or extirpate the ovaries of, as a sow or a bitch; to castrate (a female animal).
SPAYSpay, n. Etym: [Cf. Spade a spay, Spay, v. t.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The male of the red deer in his third year; a spade.
SPAYAD; SPAYADESpay"ad, Spay"ade, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A spay.
SPEAK Speak, v. i. [imp. Spoke (Spake ( Archaic); p. p. Spoken (Spoke, Obs. or Colloq.); p. pr. & vb. n. Speaking.] Etym: [OE. speken, AS. specan, sprecan; akin to OF.ries. spreka, D. spreken, OS. spreken, G. sprechen, OHG. sprehhan, and perhaps to Skr. sphurj to crackle, to thunder. Cf. Spark of fire, Speech.]
1. To utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words; as, the organs may be so obstructed that a man may not be able to speak. Till at the last spake in this manner. Chaucer. Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. 1 Sam. iii. 9.
2. To express opinions; to say; to talk; to converse. That fluid substance in a few minutes begins to set, as the tradesmen speak. Boyle. An honest man, is able to speak for himself, when a knave is not. Shak. During the century and a half which followed the Conquest, there is, to speak strictly, no English history. Macaulay.
3. To utter a speech, discourse, or harangue; to adress a public assembly formally. Many of the nobility made themselves popular by speaking in Parliament against those things which were most grateful to his majesty. Clarendon.
4. To discourse; to make mention; to tell. Lycan speaks of a part of Cæsar's army that came to him from the Leman Lake. Addison.
5. To give sound; to sound. Make all our trumpets speak. Shak.