D defs.my
Menu ☰
Entry 19 senses · 4 variants Webster, 1913

Spur

/(spûr)/ · IPA /spɝ/
01 n. A sparrow.
  1. 1.
    A sparrow.(Zool.) [Scot.]
02 n. An implement secured to the heel, or above the heel, of a horseman, to urge the horse by its pressure. Modern spurs have a small wheel, or …
  1. 1.
    An implement secured to the heel, or above the heel, of a horseman, to urge the horse by its pressure. Modern spurs have a small wheel, or rowel, with short points. Spurs were the badge of knighthood.
    “And on her feet a pair of spurs large.” — Chaucer.
  2. 2.
    That which goads to action; an incitement.
    “Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise (That last infirmity of noble mind) To scorn delights and live laborious days.” — Milton.
  3. 3.
    Something that projects; a snag.
  4. 4.
    One of the large or principal roots of a tree.
  5. 5.
    Any stiff, sharp spine, as on the wings and legs of certain birds, on the legs of insects, etc.; especially, the spine on a cock's leg.(Zool.)
  6. 6.
    A mountain that shoots from any other mountain, or range of mountains, and extends to some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.
  7. 7.
    A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale, to strip off the blubber.
  8. 8.
    A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut.(Carp.)
  9. 9.
    The short wooden buttress of a post.(Arch.)
  10. 10.
    Any projecting appendage of a flower looking like a spur.(Bot.) [R.]
  11. 11.
    A wall that crosses a part of a rampart and joins to an inner wall.(Fort.)
  12. 12.
    A piece of timber fixed on the bilge ways before launching, having the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side.(Shipbuilding)
  13. 13.
    A branch of a vein.(Mining)
  14. 14.
    The track of an animal, as an otter; a spoor.
Phrases & compounds
Spur fowl — any one of several species of Asiatic gallinaceous birds of the genus Galloperdix, allied to the jungle fowl. The males have two or more spurs on each leg.
Spur gear — a cogwheel having teeth which project radially and stand parallel to the axis; a spur wheel.
Spur gearing — gearing in which spur gears are used. See under Gearing.
Spur pepper — See the Note under Capsicum.
Spur wheel — Same as Spur gear, above.
03 v. t. To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse.
imp. & p. p. Spurred; p. pr. & vb. n. Spurring
  1. 1.
    To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse.
  2. 2.
    To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object; to incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to impel; to drive.
    “Love will not be spurred to what it loathes.” — Shak.
  3. 3.
    To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.
04 v. i. To spur on one's horse; to travel with great expedition; to hasten; hence, to press forward in any pursuit.
  1. 1.
    To spur on one's horse; to travel with great expedition; to hasten; hence, to press forward in any pursuit.
    “The Parthians shall be there, And, spurring from the fight, confess their fear.” — Dryden.
    “The roads leading to the capital were covered with multitudes of yeomen, spurring hard to Westminster.” — Macaulay.
    “Some bold men, . . . by spurring on, refine themselves.” — Grew.