I. ˈsprag, -aa(ə)g, -aig adjective
Etymology: by alteration
archaic : sprack
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish dialect spragg, spragge branch — more at sprig
: a piece of timber or metal serving as a prop or brake: as
a. : a post for propping the ore or roof in a mine
b.
(1) : a rod or shaft applied between the spokes of a wheel of a vehicle to prevent rotation
(2) : a pointed stake or steel bar let down from a wagon or early automobile body at an angle to the ground to prevent the halted vehicle from rolling downhill
III. transitive verb
( spragged ; spragged ; spragging ; sprags )
1. : to prop or sustain (as a mine roof) with a sprag
2. : to check the motion of (a vehicle) by means of a sprag
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
: a young codfish