I. R ˈspər, + vowel ˈspər.; - R ˈspə̄, + suffixal vowel ˈspər. also ˈspə̄r, + vowel in a following word ˈspər. or ˈspə̄ also ˈspə̄r noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English spore, spure, from Old English spora, spura; akin to Old High German sporo spur, Old Norse spori spur, Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn
1.
a. : a U-shaped implement with a pointed or rowel-tipped projection that is secured to the heel of a horseman for pricking, managing, or urging on the horse
b. spurs plural
[Middle English spores knighthood (as in winnen ones spores to earn knighthood by a deed of valor]
: recognition and reward for achievement
would have won his spurs had not a knee injury … put him out of the game — Rugger
these guys have earned their battle spurs — L.M.Uris
2. : an inciting force or stimulus to action : goad , incentive
he shot up fast, his spur the determination to make money and a name — E.A.Weeks
two professors were immediate spurs to trying her hand at writing — Current Biography
the book is a spur to both the intellect and the imagination — Ellen L. Buell
3. : any of various diagonally set props, braces, or members usually used in construction: as
a. : a brace (as a rafter or crossbeam) strengthening a post and some connected part : strut
b. : a reinforcing buttress of masonry
c.
(1) : a piece of timber fixed on the bilge ways before launching with the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side
(2) : a curved piece of timber serving as a half-beam to support the deck where a whole beam cannot be placed
(3) : spur shore
4. : a growth, formation, or projection suggestive of a spur in shape or relative size: as
a. : a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect) ; especially : a horny modification of the skin surrounding a bony core attached to the metatarsus of a cock's leg and used in fighting — see cock illustration
b. : a bony outgrowth (as at a joint margin) : osteophyte
c. : a projecting root or short branch of a tree: as
(1) : a short branch bearing fruit buds
(2) : a branch kept short by annual pruning
a vine cut to 4 spurs
d. : a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine)
5. : a sharp or pointed usually metallic object similar to a spur: as
a. : a gaff for a gamecock
b. : a climbing iron : gaff
c. : the bow ram of a warship
d. : a projection or prong on the arm of an anchor
e. : an article like a stilt resting on three points and having one pointing upward to support ceramic ware during firing
f. : the central point on an auger bit or lathe center
g. : griffe II 1
h. : the metallic point on either end of a weaving shuttle
i. : the projection of the external hammer of a gun on which the thumb presses in cocking the weapon
j. : one of two or more adjustable buttons or spikes affixed to the back of a wall clock in order to allow the pendulum to swing clear of the walls
k. : one of several clamps with points attached to the hoop of a bass drum to prevent it from rolling and to hold it off the floor
l. : a bundle of several sheets of paper hung to dry in a loft
6. : an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation:
a. obsolete : an outer work or salient of a fortification
b. : a ridge or lesser elevation that projects from a mountain, a range of mountains, or a higher land surface to some distance at right angles or in a lateral direction
the western edge is notched … by coves and valleys which are separated by fingerlike spurs pointing towards the northwest — American Guide Series: Tennessee
c. : a wing dam built out to deflect a river current
d.
(1) : spur track
2. : siding 3
(3) : a side or connecting road running from a main highway or turnpike
problems … in the construction of thruway spurs — New York Times
e. : a branch of a vein of a mine
7. : spur gear
Synonyms: see motive
•
- on the spur of the moment
II. verb
( spurred ; spurred ; spurring ; spurs )
Etymology: Middle English sporen, spuren, from spore, spure, n.
transitive verb
1. : to prick (a horse) with spurs to go at a faster pace
spurred his horse along the crest of the ridge — Zane Grey
2. : to incite (a person or thing) to action or accelerated growth or development : urge , stimulate
general manager who is spurred by idealism — Times Literary Supplement
spurred his players to finish second — Current Biography
the war has spurred interest in the defense programs — America
the rather pallid prose … inhibits rather than spurs the imagination — J.F.Muehl
— often used with on
his own needs spur him on to invention — Ralph Linton
spurred on by attractive commissions — G.M.Stephenson
3. : to furnish with spurs
arriving all booted and spurred
4. dialect England : to support or brace with a spur : prop
5. : to cut back : prune , trim
number of main branches are spurred … to within about two inches of their base — F.D.Smith & Barbara Wilcox
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to hurry one's horse with spurs
wheeling the white mustang, he spurred away — Zane Grey
a wounded soldier spurring from the field with news of victory — A.B.Osborne
b. : to proceed in hurried fashion : rush
spurred into the fray — S.H.Adams
2. : to strike out or fight with the foot or spur
Synonyms: see urge
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of spoor
: the track of an animal (as an otter) : spoor