v. & n.
v.tr. 1 scatter (liquid, ashes, crumbs, etc.) in small drops or particles. 2 (often foll. by with) subject (the ground or an object) to sprinkling with liquid etc. 3 (of liquid etc.) fall on in this way. 4 distribute in small amounts.
n. (usu. foll. by of) 1 a light shower. 2 = SPRINKLING.
[ ME, perh. f. MDu. sprenkelen ]