~ 1
■ noun
1》 a tool with a sharp-edged, rectangular metal blade and a long handle, used for digging.
2》 [as modifier ] shaped like a ~: a ~ bit.
■ verb dig over with a ~.
↘move or lift with a ~.
Phrases
call a ~ a ~ speak plainly and frankly.
Derivatives
~ful noun ( plural ~fuls ).
Origin
OE spadu , spada , of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 ( ~s ) one of the four suits in a conventional pack of playing cards, denoted by a black inverted heart-shaped figure with a small stalk.
↘( a ~ ) a card of this suit.
2》 informal, offensive a black person.
Phrases
in ~s informal in large amounts or to a high degree.
Origin
C16: from Ital. ~ , plural of spada 'sword', via L. from Gk spathē ; cf. ~ 1 .