■ noun
1》 a metal weapon with a pointed tip and a long shaft, used for thrusting or throwing.
2》 a plant shoot, especially a pointed stem of asparagus or broccoli.
3》 [as modifier ] denoting the male side or members of a family. Compare with distaff (in sense 2).
■ verb pierce or strike with a ~ or other pointed object.
Origin
OE spere , of Gmc origin.