[spur] n [ME spure, fr. OE spura; akin to OE spurnan to kick--more at spurn] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse b pl [fr. the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood]: recognition and reward for achievement "won his academic ~s as the holder of a chair in a university --James Mountford"
2: a goad to action: stimulus
3: something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as a: a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine b (1): a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect); esp: one on a cock's leg (2): a gaff for a gamecock c: a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d: a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot) e: climbing iron
4. a: an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation; esp: a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range b: a railroad track that branches off from a main line
5: a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification syn see motive -- on the spur of the moment : on impulse: suddenly
[2]spur vb spurred ; spur.ring vt (13c) 1: to urge (a horse) on with spurs
2: to incite to action or accelerated growth or development: stimulate
3: to put spurs on ~ vi: to spur one's horse on