I. ˈspär noun
Etymology: Middle English sparre; akin to Old English spere spear — more at spear
Date: 14th century
1. : a stout pole
2.
a. : a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging
b. : any of the main longitudinal members of the wing of an airplane that carry the ribs
II. intransitive verb
( sparred ; spar·ring )
Etymology: Middle English sparren to dart, spring
Date: 1537
1.
a. : box ; especially : to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or create an opening
b. : to engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing
2. : skirmish , wrangle
3. : to strike or fight with feet or spurs in the manner of a gamecock
III. noun
Date: 1814
1. : a movement of offense or defense in boxing
2. : a sparring match or session
IV. noun
Etymology: Low German; akin to Old English spærstān gypsum, spæren of plaster
Date: 1581
: any of various nonmetallic usually cleavable and lustrous minerals