GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 5 definitions

1.       
   spar (spär), n. [AS. spaer in spaerstān chalkstone; akin to MHG. spar, G. sparkalk plaster.] (Min.) 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.
   
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   Blue spar, Cube spar, etc. See under Blue, Cube, etc.
   
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2.       
   Spar, n. [OE. sparre; akin to D. spar, G. sparren, OHG. sparro, Dan. & Sw. sparre, Icel. sparri; of uncertain origin.  √171.  Cf. Spar, v. t. ]
   1. (Naut.) A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff.
   
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   2. (Arch.) Formerly, a piece of timber, in a general sense; -- still applied locally to rafters.
   
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   3. The bar of a gate or door. [Obs.]  Chaucer.
   
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   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.
   
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3.       
   Spar, v. t. [OE. sparren, AS. sparrian; akin to G. sperren, Icel. sperra; from the noun. √171. See Spara beam, bar.]
   1. To bolt; to bar. [Obs.]  Chaucer.
   
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   2. To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel.
   
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   ☞ A vessel equipped with spars that are too large or too small is said to be oversparred or undersparred.
   
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4.       
   Spar, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparred (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.] [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.
   
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   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.
   
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   Made believe to spar at Paul with great science. Dickens.
   
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   3. To contest in words; to wrangle. [Colloq.]
   
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5.       
   Spar, n.
   1. A contest at sparring or boxing.
   
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   2. A movement of offense or defense in boxing.
   
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