I. ˈspər noun
Etymology: Middle English spure, from Old English spura; akin to Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse
b. plural
[from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood]
: recognition and reward for achievement
won his academic spur s as the holder of a chair in a university — James Mountford
2. : a goad to action : stimulus
3. : something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as
a. : a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine
b.
(1) : a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect) ; especially : one on a cock's leg
(2) : a gaff for a gamecock
c. : a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine)
d. : a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot)
e. : climbing iron
4.
a. : an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation ; especially : a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range
b. : a railroad track that branches off from a main line
5. : a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification
Synonyms: see motive
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- on the spur of the moment
II. verb
( spurred ; spur·ring )
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to urge (a horse) on with spurs
2. : to incite to action or accelerated growth or development : stimulate
3. : to put spurs on
intransitive verb
: to spur one's horse on