I. ˈsprüs verb
( spruced ; spruc·ing )
Date: 1594
transitive verb
: to make spruce — often used with up
intransitive verb
: to make oneself spruce
spruce up a bit
II. adjective
( spruc·er ; spruc·est )
Etymology: perhaps from obsolete English Spruce leather leather imported from Prussia
Date: 1599
: neat or smart in appearance : trim
• spruce·ly adverb
• spruce·ness noun
III. noun
( plural spruc·es also spruce )
Etymology: obsolete Spruce Prussia, from Middle English, alteration of Pruce, from Anglo-French
Date: 1670
1.
a. : any of a genus ( Picea ) of evergreen trees of the pine family with a conical head of dense foliage, flat or 4-sided needles, pendulous cones, and soft light wood
b. : any of several coniferous trees (as Douglas fir) of similar habit
2. : the wood of a spruce