spragn.¹

Etymology: Of obscure origin: compare Swedish dialect sprag, spragg(e in the same sense.

Now dialect.

A slip; a twig or spray.

ΘΚΠ

the world > plants > part of plant > shoot, sprout, or branch > [noun] > spray or sprig

sprig1563

sprag1676

spriglet1825

spray1862

1676 I. Newton Let. 14 Nov. in Corr. (1960) II. 181 We desire graffs rather then sprags.

1895 P. H. Emerson Birds, Beasts, & Fishes Norfolk Broadland 81 He alights on the familiar old hawthorn ‘sprag’, as the fenmen call a spray.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online September 2020).

spragn.²

Brit.

/spraɡ/, U.S.

/spræɡ/, Scottish English

/spraɡ/

Forms: 1700s– sprag; also Scottish 1800s spraag, 1800s spraage, 1800s spragg, 1900s sprjaag.

Etymology: Origin unknown. Perhaps (especially in sense 1a) a variant of, or otherwise related to, sprig n.², and perhaps ultimately of the same origin as sprag n.¹ Compare sprog n. (probably a variant of this word). Compare also sprack adj. With sense 1b perhaps compare also Danish regional sprage to brag (specific use of sprage to crackle). It is possible that not all of the senses show the same origin.

a. A lively young man. rare (Scottish (Shetland) in later use).

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific classes of common people > fashionable society > [noun] > member of > male

gallant1388

wamfler15..

rutter1506

younkera1522

fine gentleman1575

cavalier1589

whisker1595

jinglespur1604

bravery1616

brisk1621

chevalier1630

man about town1647

man of mode1676

man of distinction1699

sprag1707

sparky1756

blood1763

swell1786

Corinthian1819

galliard1828

mondain1833

toff1851

flâneur1854

Johnny1883

silver-tail1898

knut1911

lounge lizard1918

old buster1919

Hooray Henry1959

1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 52 He'll often tell ye what a Sprag he was in the Days of Yore.

1932 A. Horsbøl tr. J. Jakobsen Etymol. Dict. Norn Lang. in Shetland II. (at cited word) Sprag..is now often used in a laudatory sense of a good-looking, lively and clever fellow.

b. Scottish (Shetland). A person with an arrogant, swaggering manner; a boaster, a braggart. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > pride > boasting or boastfulness > [noun] > boaster

yelper1340

avaunterc1374

braggerc1390

fare-makerc1440

seggerc1440

shakerc1440

vaunter1484

roosera1500

praterc1500

cracker1509

vouster?a1513

boaster1574

Thrasoa1576

braggarta1577

braver1589

glorioser1589

bragout1592

rodomont1592

braggadocio1594

gloriosoc1599

puckfist1600

burgullian1601

puff1601

forthputtera1610

rodomontado1609

ostentator1611

fanfaron1622

potgun1623

thrasonist1626

cracka1640

vapourer1653

braggadocian1654

rodomontadist1655

charlatan1670

brag1671

rodomontade1683

gasconader1709

rodomontader1730

Gascon1757

spread eagle1809

bag of wind1816

penny trumpeter1828

spraga1838

gasser1855

blow-hard1857

blower1863

crower1864

gabber1869

flannel-mouth1882

punk-fist1890

skiter1898

Tartarin1903

blow1904

skite1906

poofter1916

trombenik1922

shooter of lines1941

fat-mouth1942

wide-mouth1959

Wheneye1982

trash talker1986

braggarist-

a1838 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. MSS (Adv. 22.1.12) XII. 210 [Shetland] Spraage.

1866 T. Edmondston Etymol. Gloss. Shetland & Orkney Dial. 115 Spragg, a boaster, a braggart.

1932 A. Horsbøl tr. J. Jakobsen Etymol. Dict. Norn Lang. in Shetland II Sprag,..a coxcomb (esp. a tall, lanky person) who struts and gesticulates in his walk.

†a. English regional (Northumberland). A young salmon. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > order Salmoniformes (salmon or trout) > family Salmonidae (salmon) > [noun] > genus Salmo > salmo salar (salmon) > from one to two years

sprag1790

shed1861

1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Suppl. Sprag, a young salmon.

1880–4 F. Day Fishes Great Brit. & Ireland II. 68 Salmon;..from one to two years old..it is known as..sprag..(Northumberland).

b. A young cod; esp. a young cod of a specified size.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > genus Gadus > gadus morhua (common cod) > small or young

codling1304

morhwell1554

dorse1610

robin1618

skinner1816

sprag1874

tomcod1883

picker1895

1874 Land & Water 7 Feb. 111/2 Some suppose that these sprags are a distinct species of cod... Others say that they are simply the young of the ordinary cod.

1886 Field 23 Jan. 106/3 Sprags (half-grown cod), 2s. 6d. to 3s. each.

1902 Comm. Fishery Statistics: Rep. 54/1 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 1063) XV. 1 Cod are divided into three sizes at Grimsby—cod, and sprags, and codling.

1938 A. Hutchinson Thrills Northern Trawl viii. 190 She was just the opposite type—a quiet, homely little buddy that'd never say boo to a dead sprag.

1973 W. Elmer Terminol. Fishing iv. 193 Sprag,..codling.

2008 T. Grescoe Bottomfeeder iv. 80 ‘Perkins is still waiting for his fish!’ a moustached trader in a battered straw boater called to a porter. ‘He wants four-twos of Milford sprags!’

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

spragn.³

Etymology: Of obscure origin.

1. Mining. A prop used to support the coal or roof during the working of a seam.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > prop or support

crown tree1449

punch1462

prop1613

slider1653

sole1653

yoking1653

stow-blade1681

pit-bar1708

fork1747

head tree1747

studdle1758

lock piece1778

pit-prop1794

puncheon1815

stow-fork1824

plank tubbing1839

sprag1841

gib1847

chock1853

Tom1858

bratticing1866

pack1867

breastboard1877

brattice1881

wall-plate1881

strap1883

stretcher1883

1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss. Sprags, ‘uprights,’ or pieces of wood placed upright against the sides of a coal pit, to support the ‘lids’.

1862 Chambers's Jrnl. Apr. 216 They are particularly enjoined..to support the roof..with props or sprags of larch or other wood.

1881 B'ham Daily Post 16 Feb. 7/2 The provision of the Mines Inspection Act, which requires that sprags in the workings shall be placed not farther than 5 ft. from each other.

a. A stout piece of wood used to check the revolution of a wheel (or roller), usually by inserting it between two of the spokes.Also U.S., a rod or bar which can be dropped so as to prevent a vehicle from running backwards. More widely, any of several devices formerly fitted to motor vehicles to prevent them from running backwards down a hill (see quots.).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > [noun] > state of cessation of movement > arrest of motion > that which arrests

stay?1523

scotch1639

to put a stopper on1828

stop-piece1840

backstop1851

stop-pin1869

sprag1878

arrester-

society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > wheel > [noun] > brake > other contrivances to stop revolution

lock1833

sprag1878

society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > devices to retard or stop motion > skid or lock to retard motion

trigger1591

drug1638

trigen1659

skid1766

drag1795

remskoen1816

slipper1827

shoe1837

sledge1839

hub1856

rough lock1858

spoke1858

wagon-drag1875

wagon-lock1875

wheel-lock1875

sprag1878

slipper-drag1883

slipper-brake1884

shod1893

drag-staff1748

cow1834

scote1839

sprag1902

1878 F. S. Williams Midland Railway (ed. 4) 524 Having armed themselves with a piece of timber called a ‘sprag’ to be used if required as a brake, they set off.

1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 13 Sept. Sprags and other articles were thrown under the wheels without effect.

1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right I. iii. 56 A ‘sprag’, being a stout piece of hard wood, was inserted between the rope and the iron roller on which the rope ran.

1902 S. F. Edge & C. Jarrott in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xv. 332 The Sprag..is an adjunct fitted to most cars... The sprag should be dropped before the car actually starts to run backwards.

1902 C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson Lightning Conductor 179 I seized the lever of the hand-brake and jammed it on. Next instant..I jumped out, ran to the front, and lowered the sprag.

c1915 Autocar Handbk. (ed. 6) xiv. 216 The sprag is normally held up clear of the ground by a cord, but when the car is likely to stop on a hill the driver should release the cord in good time, and let the ‘devil’ drag on the ground. Then directly the car stops, the pointed end of the bar digs into the ground.

c1915 Autocar Handbk. (ed. 6) xiv. 217 Another good form of sprag consists of a strong pawl, which is allowed to trip over ratchet teeth out on a revolving part of the gear... Even with good brakes the one great advantage of a sprag is that it permits the car to be restarted on the steepest hill with both brakes off.

1924 Motor Man. (ed. 25) 217 Sprag.—Usually a form of ratchet and pawl mechanism fitted so as to act on the transmission and prevent the car running back on a hill if the brakes fail.

1933 Motoring Encycl. 723/2 The sprags often fitted on horse~drawn vehicles..have been revived in a new form on motor vehicles.

1933 Motoring Encycl. 723/2 The sprag is arranged at the rear of the gear-box, and consists of a roller and wedge adapted to produce a gripping motion on a drum..which turns with the transmission shaft.

b. figurative. Cf. spoke n. 4a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > [noun] > one who or that which hinders > a hindrance, impediment, or obstacle

hinderc1200

withsetting1340

obstaclec1385

traversea1393

mara1400

bayc1440

stoppagec1450

barrace1480

blocka1500

objecta1500

clog1526

stumbling-stone1526

bar1530

(to cast) a trump in (one's) way1548

stumbling-stock1548

hindrance1576

a log in one's way1579

crossbar1582

log1589

rub1589

threshold1600

scotch1601

dam1602

remora1604

obex1611

obstructiona1616

stumbling-blocka1616

fence1639

affront1642

retardance1645

stick1645

balk1660

obstruent1669

blockade1683

sprun1684

spoke1689

cross cause1696

uncomplaisance1707

barrier1712

obstruct1747

dike1770

abatis1808

underbrush1888

bunker1900

bump1909

sprag1914

hurdle1924

headwind1927

mudhole1933

monkey wrench1937

roadblock1945

1914 ‘High Jinks, Jr.’ Choice Slang 21 A sprag in the wheel of progress.

1973 R. Dentry Encounter at Kharmel vii. 111 If you were in the President's shoes, how would you put a sprag in Ziauddin's wheel?

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2019).

spragadj.

Etymology: apparently a mispronunciation of sprack adj.

rare.

Smart, clever. The Shakespeare passage is the source of later instances, and has apparently led to the insertion of the form in some dialect glossaries.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective]

sharpc888

yepec1000

spacka1200

yare-witelc1275

fellc1300

yap13..

seeinga1382

far-castinga1387

sightya1400

perceivinga1425

snellc1425

politic?a1439

quickc1449

pregnant?a1475

pert1484

quick-wittedc1525

apt1535

intelligentc1540

queemc1540

ready-witted1576

political1577

of (a) great, deep, etc., reach1579

conceited1583

perspicuous1584

sharp-witteda1586

shrewd1589

inseeing1590

conceived1596

acute1598

pregnate1598

agile1599

nimble-headed1601

insighted1602

nimble1604

nimble-witted1604

penetrant1605

penetrating1606

spraga1616

acuminous1619

discoursing1625

smart1639

penetrativea1641

sagacious1650

nasute1653

acuminate1654

blunt-sharpa1661

long-headed1665

smoky1688

rapid1693

keen1704

gash1706

snack1710

cute1731

mobile1778

wide awake1785

acuminated1786

quick-minded1789

kicky1790

snap1790

downy1803

snacky1806

unbaffleable1827

varmint1829

needle-sharp1836

nimble-brained1836

incisivea1850

spry1849

fast1850

snappy1871

hard-boiled1884

on the spot1903

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. i. 76 M. Pag. He is a better scholler then I thought he was. Eu. He is a good sprag -memory.

1810 C. Lamb Let. 19 Oct. in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1978) III. 58 But the epitaphs were trim and sprag & patent.

1830 W. Scott Let. 31 Oct. (1936) XI. 402 I had being as Sir Hugh Evans says a fine sprag boy a shrewd idea that the magnetism was all humbug.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2018).

spragv.

Etymology: < sprag n.³

1. transitive. To prop up or sustain (esp. coal in a mine) with a sprag or sprags.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > mining > mine [verb (transitive)] > other (coal-)mining procedures

underbeit1670

buck1683

bank1705

bunding1747

urge1758

slappet1811

tamp1819

jowl1825

stack1832

sprag1841

hurry1847

bottom1851

salt1852

pipe1861

mill1868

tram1883

stope1886

sump1910

crow-pick1920

stockpile1921

spec1981

society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > work with wood [verb (intransitive)] > prop up with pieces of wood

sprag1841

1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss. Sprag, to support or prop up any thing that inclines.

1865 Evening Stand. 7 Feb. Several of the men as well as deceased neglected to sprag or spern their work.

1890 Daily News 31 May 6/7 As an effect of an overhanging piece of coal not being ‘spragged’, it might have fallen upon the defendant.

absolute.1894 Times 1 Mar. 10/2 Joseph Critchley said that there was plenty of timber for the men to have spragged if they thought proper.

2. To check or stop (a wheel) by inserting a sprag.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > by blocking or wedging

coin1580

cog1635

stick1635

quoin1637

scotch1642

sufflaminate1656

choke1712

chock1726

jam1851

sprag1878

snibble1880

cotch1925

1878 F. S. Williams Midland Railway (ed. 4) 525 Mr. Woodiwin..seized the plank..and tried to sprag the wheel with it.

1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 16 Mar. 5/2 The wheels were ‘spragged’, to prevent the men being lowered too rapidly.

figurative.1887 Carlisle Jrnl. 6 Dec. 3/5 The Tories..gave a Hares and Rabbits Bill, and then spragged the trap that was to catch the vermin.

3. transitive. Australian slang. To accost truculently.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards or approach (a thing, place, or person) [verb (transitive)] > approach and speak to > truculently

sprag1916

the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > treat discourteously [verb (transitive)] > address discourteously > accost truculently

sprag1916

1916 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentimental Bloke (new ed.) 130 Sprag, to accost truculently.

1935 ‘L. Luard’ Conquering Seas iii. 41 'Twas only to save you from getting spragged.

a1938 C. J. Dennis in Penguin Bk. Austral. Ballads (1964) 236 A tug named Tyball..Sprags 'em an' makes a start to sling off dirt.

Derivatives

ˈspragging n.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > industry > mining > [noun] > other specific mining processes > in coal-mining

outstroke1747

holing1841

coal-cutting1842

patio1845

sumping1849

bottoming1856

salting1856

patio process1862

spragging1865

yardage1877

booming1880

brushing1883

filling1883

sounding1883

yard-work1883

blanketing1884

goafing1888

freezing process1889

power loading1901

bashing1905

rock dusting1915

mucking1918

solid stowing1929

stone-dusting1930

roof bolting1949

rock bolting1955

1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 26 Sept. 7/2 Nearly fifty per cent. of the lives lost..proceeded from falls of roof.., a large proportion of which might have been avoided by a more..methodical system of ‘propping’ and ‘spragging’.

ˈspragger n.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > driver or operator of vehicle > [noun] > one who checks wheels with sprag

spragger?1881

society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > miner > [noun] > coal-miner > other specific coal-mine workers

gates-mana1649

getter1688

coal washer1859

gasman1876

spragger?1881

stoneman1883

thin-miner1892

shotman1905

shiftsman1921

strapper1921

Bevin boy1944

pit yacker1961

?1881 Census Eng. & Wales: Instr. Clerks classifying Occupations & Ages (?1885) 84 Ironstone Miner... Token Lad. Pick Carrier. Spragger.

1884 Times 8 Jan. 2/6 A ‘spragger’ is to be found on all mineral railways and tramways, his business being to ‘sprag’ the wheels when going down an incline.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

n.¹1676

n.²1707

n.³1841

adj.a1616

v.1841

单词	sprag
释义	spragn.¹ Etymology: Of obscure origin: compare Swedish dialect sprag, spragg(e in the same sense. Now dialect. A slip; a twig or spray. ΘΚΠ the world > plants > part of plant > shoot, sprout, or branch > [noun] > spray or sprig sprig1563 sprag1676 spriglet1825 spray1862 1676 I. Newton Let. 14 Nov. in Corr. (1960) II. 181 We desire graffs rather then sprags. 1895 P. H. Emerson Birds, Beasts, & Fishes Norfolk Broadland 81 He alights on the familiar old hawthorn ‘sprag’, as the fenmen call a spray. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online September 2020). spragn.² Brit. /spraɡ/, U.S. /spræɡ/, Scottish English /spraɡ/ Forms: 1700s– sprag; also Scottish 1800s spraag, 1800s spraage, 1800s spragg, 1900s sprjaag. Etymology: Origin unknown. Perhaps (especially in sense 1a) a variant of, or otherwise related to, sprig n.², and perhaps ultimately of the same origin as sprag n.¹ Compare sprog n. (probably a variant of this word). Compare also sprack adj. With sense 1b perhaps compare also Danish regional sprage to brag (specific use of sprage to crackle). It is possible that not all of the senses show the same origin. 1. a. A lively young man. rare (Scottish (Shetland) in later use). ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific classes of common people > fashionable society > [noun] > member of > male gallant1388 wamfler15.. rutter1506 younkera1522 fine gentleman1575 cavalier1589 whisker1595 jinglespur1604 bravery1616 brisk1621 chevalier1630 man about town1647 man of mode1676 man of distinction1699 sprag1707 sparky1756 blood1763 swell1786 Corinthian1819 galliard1828 mondain1833 toff1851 flâneur1854 Johnny1883 silver-tail1898 knut1911 lounge lizard1918 old buster1919 Hooray Henry1959 1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 52 He'll often tell ye what a Sprag he was in the Days of Yore. 1932 A. Horsbøl tr. J. Jakobsen Etymol. Dict. Norn Lang. in Shetland II. (at cited word) Sprag..is now often used in a laudatory sense of a good-looking, lively and clever fellow. b. Scottish (Shetland). A person with an arrogant, swaggering manner; a boaster, a braggart. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > pride > boasting or boastfulness > [noun] > boaster yelper1340 avaunterc1374 braggerc1390 fare-makerc1440 seggerc1440 shakerc1440 vaunter1484 roosera1500 praterc1500 cracker1509 vouster?a1513 boaster1574 Thrasoa1576 braggarta1577 braver1589 glorioser1589 bragout1592 rodomont1592 braggadocio1594 gloriosoc1599 puckfist1600 burgullian1601 puff1601 forthputtera1610 rodomontado1609 ostentator1611 fanfaron1622 potgun1623 thrasonist1626 cracka1640 vapourer1653 braggadocian1654 rodomontadist1655 charlatan1670 brag1671 rodomontade1683 gasconader1709 rodomontader1730 Gascon1757 spread eagle1809 bag of wind1816 penny trumpeter1828 spraga1838 gasser1855 blow-hard1857 blower1863 crower1864 gabber1869 flannel-mouth1882 punk-fist1890 skiter1898 Tartarin1903 blow1904 skite1906 poofter1916 trombenik1922 shooter of lines1941 fat-mouth1942 wide-mouth1959 Wheneye1982 trash talker1986 braggarist- a1838 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. MSS (Adv. 22.1.12) XII. 210 [Shetland] Spraage. 1866 T. Edmondston Etymol. Gloss. Shetland & Orkney Dial. 115 Spragg, a boaster, a braggart. 1932 A. Horsbøl tr. J. Jakobsen Etymol. Dict. Norn Lang. in Shetland II Sprag,..a coxcomb (esp. a tall, lanky person) who struts and gesticulates in his walk. 2. †a. English regional (Northumberland). A young salmon. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > order Salmoniformes (salmon or trout) > family Salmonidae (salmon) > [noun] > genus Salmo > salmo salar (salmon) > from one to two years sprag1790 shed1861 1790 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (ed. 2) Suppl. Sprag, a young salmon. 1880–4 F. Day Fishes Great Brit. & Ireland II. 68 Salmon;..from one to two years old..it is known as..sprag..(Northumberland). b. A young cod; esp. a young cod of a specified size. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > fish > class Osteichthyes or Teleostomi > superorder Paracanthopterygii > order Gadiformes (cod) > [noun] > family Gadidae > genus Gadus > gadus morhua (common cod) > small or young codling1304 morhwell1554 dorse1610 robin1618 skinner1816 sprag1874 tomcod1883 picker1895 1874 Land & Water 7 Feb. 111/2 Some suppose that these sprags are a distinct species of cod... Others say that they are simply the young of the ordinary cod. 1886 Field 23 Jan. 106/3 Sprags (half-grown cod), 2s. 6d. to 3s. each. 1902 Comm. Fishery Statistics: Rep. 54/1 in Parl. Papers (Cd. 1063) XV. 1 Cod are divided into three sizes at Grimsby—cod, and sprags, and codling. 1938 A. Hutchinson Thrills Northern Trawl viii. 190 She was just the opposite type—a quiet, homely little buddy that'd never say boo to a dead sprag. 1973 W. Elmer Terminol. Fishing iv. 193 Sprag,..codling. 2008 T. Grescoe Bottomfeeder iv. 80 ‘Perkins is still waiting for his fish!’ a moustached trader in a battered straw boater called to a porter. ‘He wants four-twos of Milford sprags!’ This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2019; most recently modified version published online March 2022). spragn.³ Etymology: Of obscure origin. 1. Mining. A prop used to support the coal or roof during the working of a seam. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > workplace > places where raw materials are extracted > mine > [noun] > prop or support crown tree1449 punch1462 prop1613 slider1653 sole1653 yoking1653 stow-blade1681 pit-bar1708 fork1747 head tree1747 studdle1758 lock piece1778 pit-prop1794 puncheon1815 stow-fork1824 plank tubbing1839 sprag1841 gib1847 chock1853 Tom1858 bratticing1866 pack1867 breastboard1877 brattice1881 wall-plate1881 strap1883 stretcher1883 1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss. Sprags, ‘uprights,’ or pieces of wood placed upright against the sides of a coal pit, to support the ‘lids’. 1862 Chambers's Jrnl. Apr. 216 They are particularly enjoined..to support the roof..with props or sprags of larch or other wood. 1881 B'ham Daily Post 16 Feb. 7/2 The provision of the Mines Inspection Act, which requires that sprags in the workings shall be placed not farther than 5 ft. from each other. 2. a. A stout piece of wood used to check the revolution of a wheel (or roller), usually by inserting it between two of the spokes.Also U.S., a rod or bar which can be dropped so as to prevent a vehicle from running backwards. More widely, any of several devices formerly fitted to motor vehicles to prevent them from running backwards down a hill (see quots.). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > [noun] > state of cessation of movement > arrest of motion > that which arrests stay?1523 scotch1639 to put a stopper on1828 stop-piece1840 backstop1851 stop-pin1869 sprag1878 arrester- society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > wheel > [noun] > brake > other contrivances to stop revolution lock1833 sprag1878 society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > devices to retard or stop motion > skid or lock to retard motion trigger1591 drug1638 trigen1659 skid1766 drag1795 remskoen1816 slipper1827 shoe1837 sledge1839 hub1856 rough lock1858 spoke1858 wagon-drag1875 wagon-lock1875 wheel-lock1875 sprag1878 slipper-drag1883 slipper-brake1884 shod1893 society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > vehicles according to means of motion > vehicle moving on wheels > [noun] > parts of vehicle moving on wheels > devices to retard or stop motion > device to stop backward movement drag-staff1748 cow1834 scote1839 sprag1902 1878 F. S. Williams Midland Railway (ed. 4) 524 Having armed themselves with a piece of timber called a ‘sprag’ to be used if required as a brake, they set off. 1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 13 Sept. Sprags and other articles were thrown under the wheels without effect. 1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right I. iii. 56 A ‘sprag’, being a stout piece of hard wood, was inserted between the rope and the iron roller on which the rope ran. 1902 S. F. Edge & C. Jarrott in A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors & Motor-driving (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) xv. 332 The Sprag..is an adjunct fitted to most cars... The sprag should be dropped before the car actually starts to run backwards. 1902 C. N. Williamson & A. M. Williamson Lightning Conductor 179 I seized the lever of the hand-brake and jammed it on. Next instant..I jumped out, ran to the front, and lowered the sprag. c1915 Autocar Handbk. (ed. 6) xiv. 216 The sprag is normally held up clear of the ground by a cord, but when the car is likely to stop on a hill the driver should release the cord in good time, and let the ‘devil’ drag on the ground. Then directly the car stops, the pointed end of the bar digs into the ground. c1915 Autocar Handbk. (ed. 6) xiv. 217 Another good form of sprag consists of a strong pawl, which is allowed to trip over ratchet teeth out on a revolving part of the gear... Even with good brakes the one great advantage of a sprag is that it permits the car to be restarted on the steepest hill with both brakes off. 1924 Motor Man. (ed. 25) 217 Sprag.—Usually a form of ratchet and pawl mechanism fitted so as to act on the transmission and prevent the car running back on a hill if the brakes fail. 1933 Motoring Encycl. 723/2 The sprags often fitted on horse~drawn vehicles..have been revived in a new form on motor vehicles. 1933 Motoring Encycl. 723/2 The sprag is arranged at the rear of the gear-box, and consists of a roller and wedge adapted to produce a gripping motion on a drum..which turns with the transmission shaft. b. figurative. Cf. spoke n. 4a. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > [noun] > one who or that which hinders > a hindrance, impediment, or obstacle hinderc1200 withsetting1340 obstaclec1385 traversea1393 mara1400 bayc1440 stoppagec1450 barrace1480 blocka1500 objecta1500 clog1526 stumbling-stone1526 bar1530 (to cast) a trump in (one's) way1548 stumbling-stock1548 hindrance1576 a log in one's way1579 crossbar1582 log1589 rub1589 threshold1600 scotch1601 dam1602 remora1604 obex1611 obstructiona1616 stumbling-blocka1616 fence1639 affront1642 retardance1645 stick1645 balk1660 obstruent1669 blockade1683 sprun1684 spoke1689 cross cause1696 uncomplaisance1707 barrier1712 obstruct1747 dike1770 abatis1808 underbrush1888 bunker1900 bump1909 sprag1914 hurdle1924 headwind1927 mudhole1933 monkey wrench1937 roadblock1945 1914 ‘High Jinks, Jr.’ Choice Slang 21 A sprag in the wheel of progress. 1973 R. Dentry Encounter at Kharmel vii. 111 If you were in the President's shoes, how would you put a sprag in Ziauddin's wheel? This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2019). spragadj. Etymology: apparently a mispronunciation of sprack adj. rare. Smart, clever. The Shakespeare passage is the source of later instances, and has apparently led to the insertion of the form in some dialect glossaries. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > sharpness, shrewdness, insight > [adjective] sharpc888 yepec1000 spacka1200 yare-witelc1275 fellc1300 yap13.. seeinga1382 far-castinga1387 sightya1400 perceivinga1425 snellc1425 politic?a1439 quickc1449 pregnant?a1475 pert1484 quick-wittedc1525 apt1535 intelligentc1540 queemc1540 ready-witted1576 political1577 of (a) great, deep, etc., reach1579 conceited1583 perspicuous1584 sharp-witteda1586 shrewd1589 inseeing1590 conceived1596 acute1598 pregnate1598 agile1599 nimble-headed1601 insighted1602 nimble1604 nimble-witted1604 penetrant1605 penetrating1606 spraga1616 acuminous1619 discoursing1625 smart1639 penetrativea1641 sagacious1650 nasute1653 acuminate1654 blunt-sharpa1661 long-headed1665 smoky1688 rapid1693 keen1704 gash1706 snack1710 cute1731 mobile1778 wide awake1785 acuminated1786 quick-minded1789 kicky1790 snap1790 downy1803 snacky1806 unbaffleable1827 varmint1829 needle-sharp1836 nimble-brained1836 incisivea1850 spry1849 fast1850 snappy1871 hard-boiled1884 on the spot1903 a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. i. 76 M. Pag. He is a better scholler then I thought he was. Eu. He is a good sprag -memory. View more context for this quotation 1810 C. Lamb Let. 19 Oct. in Lett. C. & M. A. Lamb (1978) III. 58 But the epitaphs were trim and sprag & patent. 1830 W. Scott Let. 31 Oct. (1936) XI. 402 I had being as Sir Hugh Evans says a fine sprag boy a shrewd idea that the magnetism was all humbug. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2018). spragv. Etymology: < sprag n.³ 1. transitive. To prop up or sustain (esp. coal in a mine) with a sprag or sprags. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > mining > mine [verb (transitive)] > other (coal-)mining procedures underbeit1670 buck1683 bank1705 bunding1747 urge1758 slappet1811 tamp1819 jowl1825 stack1832 sprag1841 hurry1847 bottom1851 salt1852 pipe1861 mill1868 tram1883 stope1886 sump1910 crow-pick1920 stockpile1921 spec1981 society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > constructing or working with wood > work with wood [verb (intransitive)] > prop up with pieces of wood sprag1841 1841 C. H. Hartshorne Salopia Antiqua Gloss. Sprag, to support or prop up any thing that inclines. 1865 Evening Stand. 7 Feb. Several of the men as well as deceased neglected to sprag or spern their work. 1890 Daily News 31 May 6/7 As an effect of an overhanging piece of coal not being ‘spragged’, it might have fallen upon the defendant. absolute.1894 Times 1 Mar. 10/2 Joseph Critchley said that there was plenty of timber for the men to have spragged if they thought proper. 2. To check or stop (a wheel) by inserting a sprag. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > stop the movement of > by blocking or wedging coin1580 cog1635 stick1635 quoin1637 scotch1642 sufflaminate1656 choke1712 chock1726 jam1851 sprag1878 snibble1880 cotch1925 1878 F. S. Williams Midland Railway (ed. 4) 525 Mr. Woodiwin..seized the plank..and tried to sprag the wheel with it. 1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 16 Mar. 5/2 The wheels were ‘spragged’, to prevent the men being lowered too rapidly. figurative.1887 Carlisle Jrnl. 6 Dec. 3/5 The Tories..gave a Hares and Rabbits Bill, and then spragged the trap that was to catch the vermin. 3. transitive. Australian slang. To accost truculently. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards or approach (a thing, place, or person) [verb (transitive)] > approach and speak to > truculently sprag1916 the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > discourtesy > treat discourteously [verb (transitive)] > address discourteously > accost truculently sprag1916 1916 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentimental Bloke (new ed.) 130 Sprag, to accost truculently. 1935 ‘L. Luard’ Conquering Seas iii. 41 'Twas only to save you from getting spragged. a1938 C. J. Dennis in Penguin Bk. Austral. Ballads (1964) 236 A tug named Tyball..Sprags 'em an' makes a start to sling off dirt. Derivatives ˈspragging n. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > industry > mining > [noun] > other specific mining processes > in coal-mining outstroke1747 holing1841 coal-cutting1842 patio1845 sumping1849 bottoming1856 salting1856 patio process1862 spragging1865 yardage1877 booming1880 brushing1883 filling1883 sounding1883 yard-work1883 blanketing1884 goafing1888 freezing process1889 power loading1901 bashing1905 rock dusting1915 mucking1918 solid stowing1929 stone-dusting1930 roof bolting1949 rock bolting1955 1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 26 Sept. 7/2 Nearly fifty per cent. of the lives lost..proceeded from falls of roof.., a large proportion of which might have been avoided by a more..methodical system of ‘propping’ and ‘spragging’. ˈspragger n. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > driving or operating a vehicle > driver or operator of vehicle > [noun] > one who checks wheels with sprag spragger?1881 society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > miner > [noun] > coal-miner > other specific coal-mine workers gates-mana1649 getter1688 coal washer1859 gasman1876 spragger?1881 stoneman1883 thin-miner1892 shotman1905 shiftsman1921 strapper1921 Bevin boy1944 pit yacker1961 ?1881 Census Eng. & Wales: Instr. Clerks classifying Occupations & Ages (?1885) 84 Ironstone Miner... Token Lad. Pick Carrier. Spragger. 1884 Times 8 Jan. 2/6 A ‘spragger’ is to be found on all mineral railways and tramways, his business being to ‘sprag’ the wheels when going down an incline. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.¹1676n.²1707n.³1841adj.a1616v.1841
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spragadj.

spragv.

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