SPAR

v. & n. --v.intr. (sparred, sparring) 1 (often foll. by at) make the motions of boxing without landing heavy blows. 2 engage in argument (they are always sparring). 3 (of a gamecock) fight with the feet or spurs. --n. 1 a a sparring motion. b a boxing-match. 2 a cock-fight. 3 an argument or dispute. øsparring partner 1 a boxer employed to engage in sparring with another as training. 2 a person with whom one enjoys arguing. [ME f. OE sperran, spyrran, of unkn. orig.: cf. ON sperrask kick out]