~ 1
■ noun a thick, strong pole such as is used for a mast or yard on a ship.
↘the main longitudinal beam of an aircraft wing.
Origin
ME: shortening of OFr. e~re , or from ON sperra .
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~ 2
■ verb ( ~s , ~ring , ~red )
1》 make the motions of boxing without landing heavy blows, as a form of training.
2》 engage in argument without marked hostility.
3》 (of a gamecock) fight with the feet or spurs.
■ noun
1》 a period or bout of ~ring.
2》 informal a close friend.
Origin
OE sperran , spyrran 'strike out', of unknown origin.
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~ 3
■ noun a crystalline, easily cleavable, translucent or tran~ent mineral.
Derivatives
~ry adjective
Origin
C16: from Mid. Low Ger.