I. ˈspād noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spadu; akin to Greek spathē blade of a sword or oar
Date: before 12th century
1. : a digging implement adapted for being pushed into the ground with the foot
2. : a spade-shaped instrument
• spade·ful -ˌfu̇l noun
II. verb
( spad·ed ; spad·ing )
Date: circa 1647
transitive verb
: to dig up or out or shape with or as if with a spade
intransitive verb
: to use a spade
• spad·er noun
III. noun
Etymology: Italian spada or Spanish espada broadsword; both from Latin spatha, from Greek spathē blade
Date: circa 1598
1.
a. plural but singular or plural in construction : the suit comprising cards marked spades
b. : a black figure that resembles a stylized spearhead on each playing card of one of the four suits ; also : a card marked with this figure
2. usually offensive : black 4
•
- in spades