sparn.1
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ 1. † b. Heraldry. = chevron n.1 2. Obsolete.
a. One of the common rafters of a roof. Now chiefly dialect.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam > rafter > common
sparc1340
singular1452
c1340 Nominale (Skeat) 443 Cumble, heez et cheueroun, Roof, firstre and sparre.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8796 We haf soght forest bath ner and ferr For to sek a maister sparr [Gött. sperr].
1402 Polit. Poems (Rolls) II. 77 Envie.. reuyd hath oure houses, that unnethes the hillinge hangith on the sparres.
c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 132 He wan the Citee after And rente adoun bothe wal, and sparre, and rafter.
1480 W. Worcester Itineraries 400 Item the yerdys called sparres of the halle ryalle conteynyth yn lenght about 45 fete of hole pece.
a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) ii. sig. Ci The gilt sparres, and the beames then threw they down.
1598 Bp. J. Hall Virgidemiarum: 3 Last Bks. v. i. 56 A silly cote, Whose thatched sparres are furr'd with sluttish soote.
1647 R. Herrick Thanksgiving to God in Noble Numbers 13 A little house, whose humble Roof Is weather-proof; Under the sparres of which I lie Both soft, and drie.
1666 W. Spurstowe Σατανα Νοηματα 24 in Spiritual Chymist What shall the spars and rafters do, if the pillars of the building tremble.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §985 The laths to be well nailed to spars (common rafters).
1846 J. Baxter Libr. Pract. Agric. (ed. 4) II. 125 Height of the wall..to the sill, 6 ft. Length of the spars, 15 ft.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > [noun] > charge of simplest or commonest kind > chevron
chevron1395
pinion1486
spar1486
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. f j b We haue sotheli in armys certan signys the wich ar calde Cheuerons in french..and in english a cowpull of sparris.
2. figurative.1702 C. Beaumont J. Beaumont's Psyche (new ed.) xv. cccxxvi. 243 Their Eyes will know no Lid, But make the beams recoil, the spars retreat.
a. A pole or piece of timber of some length and moderate thickness; spec. an undressed stem of fir or similar wood under six inches in diameter.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > tool > types of tools generally > [noun] > in form of bar, pole, rod, etc.
stingc725
stakec893
sowelc900
tree971
rungOE
shaftc1000
staffc1000
stockc1000
poleOE
spritOE
luga1250
lever1297
stanga1300
perchc1300
raftc1330
sheltbeam1336
stower1371
palea1382
spar1388
spire1392
perk1396
ragged staff1397
peela1400
slot1399
plantc1400
heck-stower1401
sparkin1408
cammockc1425
sallow stakec1440
spoke1467
perk treec1480
yard1480
bode1483
spit1485
bolm1513
gada1535
ruttock1542
stob1550
blade1558
wattle1570
bamboo1598
loggat1600
barling1611
sparret1632
picket1687
tringle1706
sprund1736
lug-pole1773
polting lug1789
baton1801
stuckin1809
rack-pin1821
picket-pin1844
I-iron1874
pricker1875
stag1881
podger1888
window pole1888
verge1897
sallow pole1898
lat1899
swizzle-stick1962
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > wood > wood in specific form > [noun] > spar or pole
rigald1327
spar1388
cabera1522
longer1772
ricker1820
1388 in N. H. Nicolas Hist. Royal Navy (1847) II. 476 xx. sparres de keyne, xiiii. plankes & shelles de keynes.
1392 Earl Derby's Exp. (Camden) 156 Pro x hurdell, ij sparrez, ij bulters pro officio suo in naue.
a1500 (?c1450) Merlin xxv. 460 He caught a sparre of Oke with bothe hondes.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. iii. 31 Thou must spend many a spar, This wark or thou wyn To end fully.
1513 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1902) IV. 481 For..sperris to mak hand spakis of.
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Ciiiiv Of a spyndell I wyll make a sparre.
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) ix. 138 Who tooke the Oliue sparre, made keene before, And plung'd it in his eye.
1664 J. Evelyn Sylva (1679) 27 Mr. Blith makes Sparrs, and small building-Timber of Oaks of eleven years growth.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 100/1 Raile,..is a piece of Timber, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 foot or more long,..and an inch or more thick... Spare, is two inches thick, and four inches broad; in some places it is termed a single Quarter.
1708 J. C. Compl. Collier 4 in T. Nourse Mistery of Husbandry Discover'd (ed. 3) We must have either Oaken Spars, or Firr bawks.
1795 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 85 579 These platforms..were always made horizontal at the time of levelling, by means of a mahogany spar, or straight-edge.
1849 A. H. Layard Nineveh & Remains I. i. x. 364 Loading a small raft with spars and skins for the construction of a larger.
1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 139/2 Fishing Spars, in artillery material, consist of spars of wood placed parallel to the spars to be strengthened, by lashing them to one another.
b. Without article, as a material.
Π
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 25 The trestle-trees..are confined in a temporary manner by pieces of spar.
3. † a. A bar of wood used to fasten a gate or door. Obsolete. (Cf. spar v.1)† b. figurative. A prop or support. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > [noun] > bolt or bar
shuttle971
barc1175
esselc1275
slota1300
sperel13..
ginc1330
staple-bar1339
shotc1430
shuttingc1440
shutc1460
spar1596
counter-bar1611
shooter1632
drawbar1670
night bolt1775
drop-bolt1786
snibbing-bolt1844
stay-band1844
window bar1853
heck-stower1876
barrel bolt1909
latch bolt1909
panic bolt1911
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. xi. sig. X2 The Prince..Opening streight the Sparre, forth to him came. View more context for this quotation
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Barre, a barre, or sparre, for a doore.
1647 H. Hexham Copious Eng. & Netherduytch Dict. The sparre or bolt of a doore.
1668 Bp. J. Wilkins Ess. Real Char. ii. x. §4. 257 Bolt, Barr, Sparr.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > support > [noun] > that which or one who supports
crutchc900
upholda1066
uptakinga1300
arma1382
postc1387
staff1390
sustainerc1390
undersetterc1400
potent?a1439
buttressa1450
supportalc1450
comfort1455
supporta1456
studa1500
poge1525
underpropper1532
shore1534
staya1542
prop1562
stoopa1572
underprop1579
sustentation1585
rest1590
underpinning1590
supportance1597
sustinent1603
lean1610
reliance1613
hingea1616
columna1620
spar1630
gable end1788
lifeboat1832
standback1915
1630 H. Lord Display Two Forraigne Sects 80 He gained great fame, whereunto his divining fortunes became such a sparre that he was made King of Delee.
c. A spoke, bar, or crossbar.In Scotland commonly applied to the bars or rails of a wooden fence or gate.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > wheel > [noun] > parts of wheels > spoke
spokec888
burela1300
speke?a1400
staff1642
spar1688
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > that which or one who closes or shuts > a barrier > [noun] > hedge or fence > a fence > post-and-rail fence > rail
kneeling-rail1703
fence-raila1744
split rail1826
slip-rail1827
shoot-rail1856
guard-rail1860
spar1882
rail-
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Rrr2v/2 The Spars of a spinning Wheel.
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Spars are also the spokes of a Spinning-wheel.
1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. Dog-rung, one of the spars which connect the stilts of a plough.
1882 R. L. Stevenson New Arabian Nights II. 201 ‘What's all this?’ cried the..host through the spars of the gate.
4. figurative.1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) i. 8 Thus, clinging fast to that slight spar within her arms, the mother drifted out upon the dark and unknown sea.1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xvii. 147 Three young stockbrokers..sent this little spar out of the wreck..to good Mrs. Sedley.
a. Nautical. ‘The general term for all masts, yards, booms, gaffs, etc.’ (Young, 1846).The comb. cant-spar n. is found somewhat earlier (1611).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > equipment of vessel > masts, rigging, or sails > spar > [noun]
spar1640
stick1774
1640 Tables Rates & Duties in J. Entick New Hist. London (1766) II. 170 Spars: Bonnispars [sic]. Cantspars. Small spars.
1794 D. Steel Elements & Pract. Rigging & Seamanship I. 43 Cant Spars, Ratling Spars, Boom Spars, Middling Spars, Small Spars.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xvii. 151 We next sent ashore all our spare spars and rigging.
1863 P. Barry Dockyard Econ. 226 The spars will be slight, sufficient merely to give steadiness to the ship at sea.
1878 T. L. Cuyler Pointed Papers 173 When the first blow of the cyclone tears our canvas from the spars.
b. Aeronautics. Each of the main members of a wing on older aircraft, which run transversely to the fuselage and carry the ribs.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > a means of conveyance through the air > aeroplane > parts of aircraft > [noun] > structural framework > specific supporting wings
wing-bar1844
spar1866
rib1889
pylon1912
cabane1913
1866 1st Rep. Aëronaut. Soc. 35 But with all such arrangements the apparatus must fail—length of wing is indispensable! and a spar thirty feet long must be strong, heavy, and cumbrous.
1895 Amer. Engineer & Railroad Jrnl. Aug. 387/2 Being caught by a side puff, the machine was blown over, and the front starboard spar was too much broken to mend on the field.
1913 Aeroplane 10 Apr. 428/1 Small pieces of wood are fastened to the spars inside the wings and the fabric is nailed to these.
1919 A. J. S. Pippard & J. L. Pritchard Aeroplane Struct. 17 The front and rear spars are braced together by drag bracing.
1919 H. Shaw Text-bk. Aeronaut. ix. 109 The chief function of the ribs is to give the wing its correct shape, while they also serve as compression members between the two spars, and as a framework for the attachment of the fabric.
1930 Nayler & Ower Aviation To-day vii. 154 The modern steel spar of an aeroplane wing..can be treated by calculation.
1960 C. H. Gibbs-Smith Aeroplane xiii. 96 In 1919, he [sc. Adolph Rohrbach] started building smooth-skinned metal surfaces, combined with metal box-spar construction in the wings, thus allowing more stresses to be borne by the surfaces.
5. Oil Industry. Also Spar, SPAR. An installation intended to float above a submarine well-head and provide large storage tanks and various service facilities, esp. for loading tankers.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > workplace > places for working with specific materials > place for working with oil or gas > [noun] > for collection or storage
terminal1886
tank farm1932
spar1973
1973 Times 31 Oct. (Offshore Supply Suppl.) p. iii/2 The concrete spar is anchored above a submarine manifold with pipelines from production platforms. The lower part of the spar is a 300,000-barrel capacity storage chamber.
1975 Offshore Progress—Technol. & Costs (Shell Briefing Service) 18 One of the newest deep water concepts is the Spar—floating storage and loading terminal all in one.
1976 Offshore Platforms & Pipelining 218 The SPAR has been designed to maintain a constant draft in both the loaded and ballasted conditions.
1979 North Sea Progress (Shell Internat. Petroleum Co.) 8 Other methods involve..the use of custom-built SPAR-type semi-submersible production units.
Compounds
C1. General attributive, as spar-batten, spar-bridge, spar-pole, spar-raft, spar-wood; spar-maker.
Π
1504 in Gage Hist. & Antiq. Suffolk 140 The rofes to be sper batens, and jopies.
1578 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Queen Elizabeth (1908) 306 Longe sparre poles of ffurre.
1752 in W. Cramond Rec. Elgin (1903) I. 464 Ilk cart load..of sparwood or logs.
1798 J. Grant & W. Leslie Surv. Province Moray 100 Spar~wood..about 7 inches diameter, is sold at 7d. the solid foot.
1860 Sat. Rev. 28 July 110/1 The master spar-maker, master blacksmith, and timber inspector.
1876 G. E. Voyle & G. de Saint-Clair-Stevenson Mil. Dict. (ed. 3) 394/2 Spar Bridge, a light bridge for crossing broken arches, rivers with steep banks, &c.
1880 Northwestern Lumberman 24 Jan. More than the usual number of spar rafts will be prepared this winter.
C2. Special combinations.† spar-dry adj. Obsolete perfectly dry (land).† spar foot n. Obsolete a horizontal piece of wood supporting the lower end of a rafter.
spar-buoy n. (see quot. 1883).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > buoys, marks, or lighthouses > [noun] > buoy > other types of buoy
can-buoy1626
mast-buoy1675
nun buoy1703
breakwater1769
under-buoy1793
light buoy1822
bell-buoy1838
spar-buoy1860
gas buoy1865
whistling buoy1880
puppy1890
singing-buoy1894
gas float1895
1860 Mercantile Marine Mag. 7 94 A spar-buoy moored in 11 feet.
1883 Chambers's Jrnl. 8 Dec. 772/1 A spar-buoy..is so designed that a spar or mast stands almost perpendicularly out of the water.
ΘΠ
the world > the earth > land > ground > [adjective] > dry
spar-dryc1400
sound?1523
unboggy1887
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 338 Thenne oure fader to þe fysch ferslych biddez, þat he hym sput spakly vpon spare drye.
spar-dust n. (see quot.).
Π
a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) Spar-dust, powder of post; dust produced in wood by the depredation of boring insects.
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > members of
pan1284
balka1300
lacec1330
pautre1360
dorman1374
rib1378
montant1438
dormant?1454
transom1487
ground-pillar?a1500
barge-couple1562
spar foot1579
frankpost1587
tracing1601
sleeper1607
bressumer1611
master-beam1611
muntin1611
discharge1620
dormer1623
mounting post1629
tassel1632
baufrey1640
pier1663
storey post1663
breastplate?1667
mudsill1685
template1700
brow-post1706
brow-stone1761
runner1772
stretching beam1776
pole plate1787
sabliere1800
frame stud1803
bent1815
mounting1819
bond-timber1823
storey rod1823
wall-hold1833
wall-strap1833
truss-block1883
sleeper-beam1937
shell1952
1579 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) I. 311 xliiij copple of sparr feete eche..iiij foote longe.
spar-naked adj. stark naked.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > nakedness or state of being unclothed > [adjective]
nakedOE
bareOE
start nakedc1225
nakec1300
unarrayedc1380
clothelessc1386
mother-nakedc1390
stark nakedc1390
bareda1400
naked as a needlec1400
unattiredc1400
uncladc1400
uncoveredc1400
loose1423
unclothedc1440
belly-nakeda1500
naked as one's nail1563
unabuilyeit1568
sindonlessc1595
leathern1596
disarrayed1611
undressed1613
debaredc1620
unapparelled1622
unaccoutred?1750
stark1762
disrobed1794
ungarmented1798
undraped1814
au naturel1828
nude1830
skyclad1832
garbless1838
kitless1846
spar-naked1849
raimentless1852
undoffed1854
togless1857
garmentless1866
naked as a robin1866
clothesless1868
sky clothed1878
nakedized1885
altogether1896
buck naked1913
raw1916
bollock naked1922
starkers1923
starko1923
stitchless1927
naked as a jaybird1931
bollock1950
rollock naked1962
nekkid1977
kit-off1992
1849 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 65 610 The poor fellow was spar-naked.
spar-piece n. (see quot.).
ΘΚΠ
society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > a building > parts of building > framework of building > [noun] > roof-beam
pan1284
roof-tree1321
wiverc1325
sile1338
wind-beam1374
bindbalkc1425
trave1432
purlin1439
side-waver1451
wind-balk1532
roof beam1551
post1567
crock1570
spercil1570
collar-beam1659
camber1679
top-beam1679
camber-beam1721
jack rafter1736
hammer-beam1823
tie-beam1823
spar-piece1842
viga1844
collar1858
spanner1862
cruck1898
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. Gloss. 1034 Spar-Piece, a name given in some places to the collar beam of a roof.
spar shed n. a ship-building shed in which spars are stored.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > shipyard or boat-yard > [noun] > place where masts are made or stored
mast-yard1766
mast-house1771
mast pond1780
spar shed1883
1883 Daily News 4 July 5/4 The scene at the spar shed where the bodies are laid out for identification.
spar torpedo n. a torpedo fastened on the end of a spar projecting from the bows of the boat.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > naval weapons and equipment > [noun] > mine
undermine1682
American turtle1775
torpedo1776
submarine1846
mine1862
pole torpedo1877
ground-torpedo1878
spar torpedo1878
countermine1880
acoustic mine1923
magnetic mine1939
limpet1942
pressure mine1943
oyster1945
1878 N. Amer. Rev. 127 384 Armed with the spar-torpedo.
spar tree n. Forestry a tree or other tall structure to which cables are attached for hauling logs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > forestry or arboriculture > lumbering > [noun] > lumbering equipment > structure to which cable fixed
head tree1894
spar tree1925
1925 A. Philip Crimson West 144 He yawned sleepily. ‘Got to fix a “spar-tree” for a “high-lead” to-morrow, so I better hit the hay.’
1965 Brit. Columbia Digest Sept.–Oct. 19/1 Mobile spar trees, which are monstrous self-propelled cranes whose thick booms bear a multiplicity of sheaves and cables, are used in modern high-line logging to replace the spar trees used until recently as the focal point for the complicated system of cables and pulley-blocks.
1980 Beautiful Brit. Columbia Fall 40 Atop the cliff stands a long-disused spar tree; close by the bay are the broken bricks, cement and tile that testify to a long-abandoned project here.
spar-yard n. a yard in which ship-spars are prepared.
Π
1868 W. Whitman Song of Broad-axe in Poems iii Spar-makers in the spar-yard.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparn.2
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ Mineralogy.
1.
a. A general term for a number of crystalline minerals more or less lustrous in appearance and admitting of easy cleavage.A large number of varieties are distinguished by special epithets, as bitter, Bolognian, brown, calcareous, Derbyshire, Iceland, pearl, ponderous, rhomb, tabular: see these words and calc-spar n., feldspar n., fluorspar n., heavy spar n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > [noun] > white lamellar mineral
spar1581
spaad1594
spar-stone1694
spat1706
sugar-spar1730
spath1763
chesil spar1835
1581 in Trans. Jewish Hist. Soc. Eng. (1903) 4 96 In our copper ures were..a kinde of black stone (wherin the copper groweth), and a kinde of white stone named sparr.
1631 E. Jorden Disc. Nat. Bathes vii. 38 Sparr, which the Dutch call Sput or Querts, shoots into poynts like Diamonds.
1653 E. Manlove Liberties & Customes Lead-mines Derby 265 Cauke, Sparr, Lid-stones, Twitches, Daulings, and Pees.
1672 R. Boyle Ess. Origine & Virtues Gems 91 The clear Spar, which in most of our Western Lead-Mines in England is found next to the Metalline Veins.
1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters iii. 236 All perfectly petrified; some into bright crystallised spar.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth I. 66 The pendent rocks were glazed with spar.
1832 Ld. Tennyson Œnone in Poems (new ed.) 55 Within the green hillside,..Is an ingoing grotto, strown with spar.
1867 S. W. Baker Nile Tributaries (1872) xvii. 304 Immense quantities of very beautiful spar lay upon the surface in all directions.
b. plural. Different varieties of this.
ΚΠ
1668 W. Charleton Onomasticon Zoicon 274 Fluores,..Spars.
1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 179 Gemms or Stones that are here shot into Cubes.., the Bristow-Stones, Crystallized Sparrs, the Iris,..and several others.
1797 Monthly Mag. 3 203 Matlock is much noted for its..curious spars and fossils.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles iii. xxviii. 118 And o'er his head the dazzling spars Gleam like a firmament of stars!
1823 Ld. Byron Island ii. vii. 25 Or cavern sparkling with its native spars.
2.
a. A fragment or particle of spar. Also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > [noun] > white lamellar mineral > piece of
spar1855
1855 F. P. Cobbe Ess. Intuitive Morals I. 117 The waters of our spiritual life..stand in need of rocks and falls or at least of spars or pebbles, to freshen them by their resistance.
1873 W. H. Dixon Hist. Two Queens III. xvi. i. 186 Love, romance, generosity, were as foreign to the soul of Charles as to a spar of ice.
b. An ornament made of spar.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > types of ornamentation > [noun] > spar
spar1851
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 370/2 ‘Spars’, as spar ornaments are called by the street-sellers.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 371/1 Some street-sellers have their spars in covered barrows.
Compounds
attributive and in other combinations, as spar-like adj., spar-lode, spar ornament, spar-rider, spar-seller.
ΚΠ
1700 2nd Abstr. State of Mines Bwlchyr-Eskir-Hyr 12 in W. Shiers Familiar Disc. conc. Mine-adventure We are Sumping and driving in the new Work in good firm..Oar, and the Spar-rider continues to under cut in Oar.
1778 W. Pryce Mineralogia Cornubiensis 91 This being a hard unmetallick petrifaction, thence called a Spar Lode by those unacquainted with real Spar.
1797 Encycl. Brit. VI. 230/1 The spar-like gypsum, marmor metallicum.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 370/2 The spar-sellers carried their goods..in strong baskets on their heads.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 371/1 Some of the spar ornaments are plain, white, and smooth.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparn.3
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking in specific manner > [noun] > striking with pushing action > a thrusting blow
sparc1540
job1560
push1563
thrusta1586
poss1611
jub1688
peg1728
jab1825
stab1902
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10684 Menestaus..Presit Polidamas & put hym of horse, With a spar of a speire.
2. A boxing-match; a display of boxing; a motion of sparring.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > bout or contest
boxing match1699
set-to1743
bruising-match1757
show-off1776
rally1805
turn-up1810
mill1812
spar1814
twista1849
wap1887
go1890
scrap1905
promotion1907
1814 Monthly Mag. 38 439 He's coming: I know the white steed from afar; He is not a man to be late at a spar.
1901 Oxf. Times 16 Mar. 4/2 Boxing: an interesting exhibition spar was given by..two boys.
3. A cock-fight.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > [noun] > cock-fighting
cockfightingc1450
cockfight1512
cockingc1613
cocking matcha1619
cock match1654
alectryomachy1656
sparring1686
main1760
sod1814
alectoromachyc1820
spar1850
cock watch1879
1850 D. J. Browne Amer. Poultry Yard 45 Many of the handsomest game cocks..are already trimmed, (in the comb at least,) in case they should be wanted in a hurry for a private spar.
4. transferred. A wordy contest or dispute.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > [noun] > a quarrel
controversy1448
tencion?1473
brulyie1531
pique1532
feudc1565
quarrel1566
jar1583
controverse1596
brack1600
outcast1620
rixation1623
controversarya1635
simultya1637
outfall1647
outfallingc1650
controversion1658
démêlé1661
embroilment1667
strut1677
risse1684
rubber1688
fray1702
brulyiement1718
fallout1725
tossa1732
embroil1742
ding-dong?1760
pilget1777
fratch1805
spar1836
splutter1838
bust-up1842
whid1847
chip1854
kass-kass1873
wap1887
run-in1894
go-round1898
blue1943
hassle1945
square-up?1949
ruck1958
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > controversy, dispute, argument > [noun] > instance of
flitec1000
plead1379
traverse1415
controversyc1430
disputation1557
tilt1567
wrangle1579
controverse1596
velitation1607
dispute1611
rixation1623
polemic1626
fireball1638
polemy1642
risse1684
polemical1808
spar1836
row1879
set-to1898
cag1916
barge1934
yike1976
stand-up2005
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. II. 28 Mr. Timson..kept up a running spar with Mr. Watkins Tottle.
1841 T. Hood Tale of Trumpet iii, in New Monthly Mag. Sept. 162 Such wrangle, and jangle, and miff, and tiff, And spar, and jar.
1861 C. E. L. Riddell City & Suburb 207 Ruby faced out, and had a spar with him.
Compounds
sparmate n. U.S. a sparring partner.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > sparring partner
sparring partner1908
sparmate1937
1937 Sun (Baltimore) 30 Aug. 15/2 Ten days ago one of his sparmates opened up a deep cut under his eye with a punch.
1950 J. Dempsey Championship Fighting 15 I found plenty of kid sparmates.
1974 Los Angeles Times 13 Oct. iii. 13/3 Chartchai, three-time world flyweight champion, has been staying at a Tokyo hotel,..with his wife and his manager and his wife, sparmate and trainer.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparn.4
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ dialect.
a. A pointed and doubled rod used in securing thatch.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > [noun] > thatching equipment > rod for fastening down thatch
spelk1563
springle1657
thatching-rod1703
spar1746
spear1837
spick1890
thatch-rod1903
ledger1916
ligger1953
1746 Brasenose Coll. Munim. (MS) Estates 43. 45 Sept. 7, Paid for one day worke of thacing, 1s. 6d. Paid for 500 of sparies, 1s. 3d.
1748 Brasenose Coll. Munim. (MS) Estates 43. 45 Feb. 26, Paid for 4500 of sparis, 11s. 3d.
1796 W. Marshall Provincialisms W. Devonshire in Rural Econ. W. Eng. I. 330 Spars, thatching rods.
1825 J. Jennings Observ. Dial. W. Eng. 71 The pointed sticks, doubled and twisted in the middle, and used for fixing the thatch of a roof, are called spars: they are commonly made of split willow rods.
1874 T. Hardy Far from Madding Crowd II. vi. 80 The dull thuds of the beetle which drove in the spars.
b. attributive, as spar-gad, spar-hook, spar-house, spar-rod.
ΚΠ
1844 W. Barnes Poems Rural Life in Dorset Dial. (1848) 387.
1863 Moncrieff Dream in I. of Wight Gloss. (E.D.S.) 52 He skulks through the copses for sparods and ledgers.
1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders I. ii. 14 A bundle of the straight, smooth hazel rods called spar-gads.
1887 T. Hardy Woodlanders I. iv. 55 [He] crossed over to the spar-house where some journeymen were already at work.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† sparn.5
Obsolete.attributive.1539 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) III. 142 His armie..be but chorles and plowmen, and..his sparr men went from hym.
A long-handled axe; a soldier armed with this.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > armed man > [noun] > axe
sparc1440
sparthc1518
axeman1807
gisarmier1834
poleaxer1885
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > axe > [noun]
wi-axc897
hand-axeOE
wifleOE
axec1275
poleaxe1294
Danish axe1297
hache1322
gisarmea1325
pollhache1324
spartha1363
battle-axec1380
the sheenc1400
sparc1440
Welsh glaive1483
twibit1510
twibill1558
tomahawkc1612
two-billc1619
sagaris1623
francisca1683
tom-axe1759
tomahawk1761
c1440 Eng. Conq. Ireland (Rawl. MS.) 17 Speris and sparris.
c1440 Eng. Conq. Ireland (Rawl. MS.) 83 He..broght two Spares faste on his shelde.
c1515 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 5 The armye of every region excede not 200 sperys and 600 kerne.
1534 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) II. 185 8 score fotmen, called kern, 10 scor spearys, callid gallagloghis; which 10 score sparris amountith to 20 score men.
1543 in State Papers Henry VIII (1834) III. 444 Ther footemen..having every of them his weapon, callyd a sparre, moche like axe of the Towre, and they be named galloglasse.
c1600 J. Dymmok Treat. Ireland (1842) 7 He is named a spare of his weapon so called, 80 of which spares make a battell of Galloglass.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
† sparn.6
Obsolete. rare.
A check or impediment.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > [noun] > that which
lockeOE
floodgatec1230
stopc1508
staya1533
snub1581
prevention1584
embarment1606
allay1607
spar1614
counterchecka1616
gag1618
preventivea1639
check1661
preventative1691
embargo1692
closed door1934
policeman1951
block-
1614 J. Day Dyall x. 263 First that this kingdome of Grace be not hindred by many spars and lets that it hath what with the World, the Flesh, & the Divell.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
† sparn.7
Obsolete. rare. Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.
The purre or stint.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > order Charadriiformes > family Scolopacidae (snipes, etc.) > [noun] > genus Calidris > calidris alpinus (dunlin)
stint1519
dunlin1531
oxbirda1547
sea-lark1602
purre1611
ox-eye1612
jack snipe1664
spar1668
pickerel1684
sand laverock1694
sandy laverock1710
sea-snipe1767
plover's page1771
sand lark1771
red-back1813
red-backed sandpiper1813
ebb-sleeper1837
oxybird1887
simpleton1890
plover's provider1892
sand-runner1894
1668 W. Charleton Onomasticon Zoicon 108 Junco,..the Stint, or Sparre, or Perr.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
sparn.8
= sparus n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > fish > superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) > order Perciformes (perches) > family Sparidae (sea-breams) > [noun] > member of genus Sparus
yellowhead1655
sparus1668
spare1803
yellowfin1845
spar1881
1881 G. Rawlinson Hist. Anc. Egypt I. ii. 84 Among other delicate fish produced by the Nile may be mentioned..the spar (Sparus Niloticus).
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2018).
sparv.1
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ 1.
a. transitive. To fasten (a door or gate) with a bar or bolt; to shut or close firmly or securely. Also occasionally with up. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > close (a door, window, etc.) > bolt, bar, or lock
sparc1175
pena1200
louka1225
bara1300
shutc1320
lockc1325
clicketc1390
keyc1390
pinc1390
sneckc1440
belocka1450
spare?c1450
latch1530
to lock up1549
slot1563
bolt1574
to lock to?1575
double-lock1594
stang1598
obserate1623
padlock1722
button1741
snib1808
chain1839
α.
β. a1300 Cursor Mundi 2788 Fast þe dors þan did he sparr [Gött. bar].a1400 Bible (Paues) Acts xii. 14 Sche..lefte þo ȝhate sparde, ande tolde hem þat Peter stondes bifore þe ȝate.1484 Cal. Letter-Bks. Lond. ‘L’ 202 b That every nyght..thei Shitte and Sparre their doores at the hour of ixe of the Clok.a1529 J. Skelton Ware the Hauke (1843) 91 The church dores were sparred, Fast boltyd and barryd.1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. ii. f. 96v Excepte they take good heede that the doores bee well sparde.1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia i. 5 So when all iarres doe end their dates, Ianus may sparre his Iron gates.1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes ii. iv. 169 in Wks. II I haue heard you..cauke your windores, spar up all your doores.1674 J. Ray N. Countrey Words in Coll. Eng. Words 44 To Spar the Door, to bolt, bar, pin, or shut it... This word is also used in Norfolk.1825 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Suppl. To Spar, Sper, to shut, to fasten a door, by means of a bar of wood called a bolt.1888 C. M. Doughty Trav. Arabia Deserta I. 193 The gate was sparred, and the old man made no speed to come down and undo for us.c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4122 Forr fra þe firrste manness daȝȝ..Wass paradisess ȝate sperrd. Ȝæn all mann kinn onn eorþe.
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 240 To maynten forth þe werre..Þe entres did þei sperre, & hold þam in Snowdoun.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10420 Sco sperd hir dore and wepid sare.
1447 J. Douebiggyng in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 269 The yates of Lynne..weren fast sperred.
1483 Cath. Angl. 354/1 To Sperre, claudere.
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. May 224 If he chaunce come when I am abroade, Sperre the yate fast for feare of fraude.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. x. sig. X The other which was entred, laboured fast To sperre the gate. View more context for this quotation
b. In figurative contexts. Also absol.
ΚΠ
R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 16 Þai treuly sal haue power to spar heuen to þame.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 34 He closiþ, and þan no man opuniþ; he opuniþ, and þan no man sperriþ.
1555 H. Latimer Let. 15 May in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. 100 Or ells the Doores [of heaven] will be shut upp [v.r. sparred up], that he cannot go in.
1612 J. Davies Muses Sacrifice in Wks. (Grosart) II. 56/1 Thus shall each pious person pray to thee in fitting time (yer Mercies Gate be sparr'd).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)]
beloukeOE
tinea900
bitunc1000
forshutc1000
sparc1175
louka1225
bisteke?c1225
spear?c1225
closec1275
knita1398
fastena1400
upclosec1440
to shut up1526
reclude1550
upspeara1563
lucken1568
to make up1582
hatcha1586
belocka1616
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)]
beloukOE
loukOE
sparc1175
pena1200
bepen?c1225
pind?c1225
prison?c1225
spearc1300
stopc1315
restraina1325
aclosec1350
forbara1375
reclosea1382
ward1390
enclose1393
locka1400
reclusea1400
pinc1400
sparc1430
hamperc1440
umbecastc1440
murea1450
penda1450
mew?c1450
to shut inc1460
encharter1484
to shut up1490
bara1500
hedge1549
hema1552
impound1562
strain1566
chamber1568
to lock up1568
coop1570
incarcerate1575
cage1577
mew1581
kennel1582
coop1583
encagea1586
pound1589
imprisonc1595
encloister1596
button1598
immure1598
seclude1598
uplock1600
stow1602
confine1603
jail1604
hearse1608
bail1609
hasp1620
cub1621
secure1621
incarcera1653
fasten1658
to keep up1673
nun1753
mope1765
quarantine1804
peg1824
penfold1851
encoop1867
oubliette1884
jigger1887
corral1890
maroon1904
to bang up1950
to lock down1971
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 12155 Forr cristess þohht wass sperrd..Wiþþ innenn. & wiþþ utenn.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 261 He sahh..an boc. Bisett wiþþ seffne innseȝȝless. & sperrd swa swiþe wel þatt itt. Ne mihhte nan wihht opnenn.
c1400 Rom. Rose 3320 He tought it [my heart] so hym for to obey, That he it sparrede with a key.
a1425 tr. Arderne's Treat. Fistula 14 Aftirward it [sc. the fistula] is opned by itself, and renneþ as it is seid afore, and aftirward it is sperred.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1554) ix. xxxv. 215 b [He] Closed hys booke, and shet it in his chest, But ere he might sperre it with the keye [etc.].
1615 T. Adams Blacke Devill 19 He..lockes the doore after him; sparres vp the heart with security, that his treasure be not stolne.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > seclude [verb (reflexive)] > confine
spara1240
mew1581
immure1586
mure1608
to shut ina1684
a1240 Wohunge in Old Eng. Hom. I. 285 Mi bodi henge wið þi bodi neiled o rode, sperred querfaste wið-inne fowr wahes.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 9501 Ȝyf he wyþ sege sperre me her-yn.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 11824 As wyþ þe Romayns for to werre, Þat alle men in þer daunger sperre.
a1400 W. Hylton Scala Perfeccionis (1494) i. xvi And therefore as a wretche & outcaste..art sperred in a hous alone.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 3 Sho was sparred in a cloce cell iij yere.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Bbi He..caused him to bee sparred faste in the same tower.
1586 W. Warner Albions Eng. ii. xii. 50 There sparred vp in gates, The valiant Thæbane..a following fight awaites.
a1600 Floddan Field (1664) i. 10 Our startling Nags in Stables sparde, Are waxen wild with too much rest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > shut or lock (a person or thing) in or out
inseil?a1000
bespara1100
loukc1275
sparc1430
spare?c1450
to shut inc1460
to lock out1599
occlude1623
inbolt1632
to bolt out, in, upa1653
sneck1816
sport1825
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)]
beloukOE
loukOE
sparc1175
pena1200
bepen?c1225
pind?c1225
prison?c1225
spearc1300
stopc1315
restraina1325
aclosec1350
forbara1375
reclosea1382
ward1390
enclose1393
locka1400
reclusea1400
pinc1400
sparc1430
hamperc1440
umbecastc1440
murea1450
penda1450
mew?c1450
to shut inc1460
encharter1484
to shut up1490
bara1500
hedge1549
hema1552
impound1562
strain1566
chamber1568
to lock up1568
coop1570
incarcerate1575
cage1577
mew1581
kennel1582
coop1583
encagea1586
pound1589
imprisonc1595
encloister1596
button1598
immure1598
seclude1598
uplock1600
stow1602
confine1603
jail1604
hearse1608
bail1609
hasp1620
cub1621
secure1621
incarcera1653
fasten1658
to keep up1673
nun1753
mope1765
quarantine1804
peg1824
penfold1851
encoop1867
oubliette1884
jigger1887
corral1890
maroon1904
to bang up1950
to lock down1971
c1430 Life St. Kath. (1884) 66 Sorwyng þat mankynde was spard out..from þe delytes of paradyse.
1483 Cath. Angl. 354/1 To Sperre jn, jncludere.
1483 Cath. Angl. 354/1 To Sperre oute, excludere.
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. iii. 31 Anoynt thi ship with pik and tar.., The water out to spar.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 728/1 What meanyth this woman, she sperryth me out, she callyth me agayne.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xxi. 7 But the same daye was there a man sparred in before the Lorde.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > fasten [verb (transitive)]
fastenOE
truss?c1225
clitch?a1300
fasta1300
cadgea1400
lacec1425
claspa1450
tie?a1513
tether1563
spar1591
befast1674
span1781
1591 G. Fletcher Of Russe Common Wealth xvii. f. 60 They haue drummes besides of a huge bignesse, which they carry..on foure horses, that are sparred together with chaines.
a1722 E. Lisle Observ. Husbandry (1757) 202 It is very good husbandry to top hay or corn-reeks with well wetted helms, that they may be well sparred down.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparv.2
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move swiftly and suddenly
windc897
shootc1000
smite?c1225
flatc1300
lash13..
girda1400
shock?a1400
spara1400
spritc1400
whipc1440
skrim1487
glance1489
spang1513
whip1540
squirt1570
flirt1582
fly1590
sprunt1601
flame1633
darta1640
strike1639
jump1720
skite1721
scoot1758
jink1789
arrow1827
twitch1836
skive1854
sprint1899
skyhoot1901
catapult1928
slingshot1969
book1977
a1400–50 Alexander 2975 With þat he brochis his blonke þat þe blode fames, Sparis [v.r. Sparrys] out spacly as sparke out of gledes.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 6690 Teuser, with tene turnyt to Ector, Sparrit to hym with a speire.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 6914 He put hym to Paris.., Sparrit at hym with a spere.
2.
a. Of cocks: To strike with the feet or spurs; to fight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > order Galliformes (fowls) > family Phasianidae (pheasants, etc.) > hen or cock > [verb (intransitive)] > strike (of cock)
spar1570
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > fight between animals [verb (intransitive)] > fight with spurs
spar1570
spura1722
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Civ/2 To Sparre, as cocks do, confligere.
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. 279/1 Your Cocks having Sparred sufficiently.
1696 R. Howlett School Recreat. (new ed.) 144 Let him Sparr with another Cock.
1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 255 ‘I'll teach you to sparr at your lady!’ and in a moment [she] twisted off his neck.
1776 G. White Let. 29 Apr. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 211 A young cock will spar at his adversary before his spurs are grown.
1828 in Blaine Encycl. Rural Sports (1840) 1208 The practice of permitting the stags and younger chickens to spar occasionally.
b. transitive. To cause (a cock) to spar; to exercise in sparring.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting or baiting animals > fighting between animals > fight between animals [verb (transitive)] > cause cock to fight
spar1686
1686 R. Blome Gentlemans Recreation ii. 279/1 The Day following Spar him again.
1696 R. Howlett School Recreat. (new ed.) 145 The second Fortnight, twice a Week will be enough to Chase or Spar your Cock.
1832 F. Marryat Newton Forster III. viii. 123 They..fed and sparred them [sc. cocks] to get them into wind.
3. figurative.1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. iv. xi. 234 We..suspended the fray, to spar a little with the flagon.
a. To engage in or practise boxing; to make the motions of attack and defence with the arms and fists; to box. Also const. at.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike [verb (transitive)] > strike at
swipc1380
lasha1400
foundc1420
drivec1540
dent1580
tilt1589
snap1631
spar1755
peg1828
slap1842
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > box [verb (intransitive)]
box1581
to box it out (also to box it off)1689
spar1755
mill1829
scrap1874
to box on1898
1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. Spar, to fight with prelusive strokes.
1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 85 Big George can teach the use of fives,..Or spar or keep the game alive [etc.].
1833 J. Nyren Young Cricketer's Tutor 38 The position of the wicket keeper in his standing, should be that of a man preparing to spar.
1847 A. Smith Christopher Tadpole (1848) xli. 355 It appeared that two pugilists who were advertised to spar had not yet arrived.
b. transitive. With cognate object.
ΚΠ
1901 Oxf. Times 16 Mar. 4/2 He..sparred a bye, in which the boxing was only of a light character.
4.
a. To dispute; to bandy words.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > controversy, dispute, argument > contend, dispute, argue [verb (intransitive)]
flitec900
witherc1000
disputea1225
pleadc1275
strive1320
arguec1374
tolyc1440
toilc1450
wrestlec1450
altercate1530
disagree1534
dissent1538
contend1539
controvert1563
wrangle?1570
contestate?1572
to fend and prove?1578
contest1603
vie1604
controverse1605
discept1639
ergot1653
digladiatea1656
misprove1662
spar1698
argufy1804
spat1809
to cross swords1816
argle1823
to bandy words1828
polemize1828
controversialize1841
caffle1851
polemicize1881
ergotize1883
argy-bargy1887
cag1919
snack1956
society > society and the community > dissent > quarrel or quarrelling > quarrel [verb (intransitive)] > in noisy or angry manner
flitec900
chidec1000
strivec1290
scold1377
wrangle1377
jangle1382
brawlc1440
bickera1450
to have words1490
altercate1530
jar1550
brangle1553
brabble1568
yed1570
fraple?a1598
barrat1600
warble1600
camp1606
to word it1612
caterwaul1621
cample1628
pickeer1651
spar1698
fratch1714
rafflea1796
row1797
barney1850
dudgeon1859
frabble1885
scrap1895
1698 J. Collier Short View Immorality Eng. Stage iv. 147 Jacinta spars again and says, I would have thee to know, thou graceless old Man, that I defy a Nunnery.
1741 S. Richardson Pamela III. xxxiv. 340 What! sparring, jangling again, you Sluts!
1752 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 29 Sept. (1932) (modernized text) V. 1950 Only women and little minds pout and spar for the entertainment of the company.
1854 W. M. Thackeray Wolves & Lamb in Wks. (1899) XII. 30 They spar so every night they meet.
1880 C. E. L. Riddell Myst. Palace Gardens xxvi She liked to hear the two sparring.
b. transitive. To argue or debate (questions).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > hold discussions about, debate [verb (transitive)]
dispute1340
discuss1402
reason?c1425
mootc1475
arguea1513
canvass1530
ventilate?1530
deliberate1536
devisea1538
expostulate1573
agitate1598
imparlc1600
exagitate1610
eventilate?1625
altercate1683
litigate1740
spar1744
1744 R. North & M. North Life Sir D. North & Rev. J. North 261 Among his Virtuoso Friends and Acquaintance, he loved to spar Questions, and foment Disputes.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparv.3
/spɑː/, U.S. /spɑr/ 1. transitive. To furnish, make, or close in, with spars. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > building or providing with specific parts > build or provide with specific parts [verb (transitive)] > furnish or close in with spars
spar1657
1657–8 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 97 Extraordinary repaires..for slating and sparring ye chappell.
1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. I. 52 For these purposes, one or more stalls may be sparred to the top.
a1851 D. M. Moir Snow xii, in Poet. Wks. (1852) II. 388 The mill-wheel sparr'd with icicles, Reflects her silver ray.
1894 R. L. Stevenson Lett. (1899) II. 333 I have a room now, a part of the twelve-foot verandah sparred in, at the most inaccessible end of the house.
2. Nautical.
a. In past participle: Provided with spars.
ΚΠ
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxxiv. 428 She was..heavily sparred, with sails cut to a t.
1894 Times 12 May 9/3 The vessel..was snugly sparred and canvased for the passage.
b. To fix spars across (the rigging) preparatory to rattling down.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > fit out or equip > rig > fix spars across rigging
sparc1860
c1860 H. Stuart Novices or Young Seaman's Catech. (rev. ed.) 35 Commence sparring the rigging.
c. U.S. ‘To aid (a vessel) over a shallow bar by the use of spars and tackles’ ( Cent. Dict.). Also with off.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > propelling other than by sail or oars > propel boat other than by sail or oars [verb (transitive)] > move over shallows by tackle and spars
spar1843
1843 T. Talbot Jrnl. (1931) 4 [We became] finally the prey of an insidious sand-bar, where after hours of sparring,..we again resume the slow ascent.
1875 ‘M. Twain’ in Atlantic Mag. May 568/1 Maybe she ‘strikes and swings’. Then she has to while away several hours (or days) sparring herself off.
1883 American 6 40 At low water, the vessel has often to be sparred over sand-bars.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1c1340
n.21581
n.3c1540n.41746
n.5c1440n.61614n.71668n.81881v.1c1175v.2a1400v.31657