spar

views updated May 21 2018

spar¹ / spär/ • n. a thick, strong pole such as is used for a mast or yard on a ship. ∎ the main longitudinal beam of an airplane wing.spar² • v. (sparred, spar·ring) [intr.] make the motions of boxing without landing heavy blows, as a form of training: one contestant broke his nose while sparring. ∎ engage in argument, typically of a kind that is prolonged or repeated but not violent: mother and daughter spar regularly over drink, drugs, and career. ∎ (of a gamecock) fight with the feet or spurs.• n. a period or bout of sparring.spar³ • n. [usu. in comb.] a crystalline, easily cleavable, light-colored mineral.DERIVATIVES: spar·ry adj.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

spar

views updated Jun 27 2018

spar.
1. Rafter.

2. Bar, rail, stud, etc.

A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL

spar

views updated May 29 2018

spar1 (dial.) rafter of a roof XIII; (orig. and esp. naut.) pole or length of timber XIV. — ON. sperra or aphetic — OF. esparre (mod. épare, épar) or :- its Gmc. source, repr. by MLG., MDu. sparre (Du. spar), OHG. sparro (G. sparren), ON. sparri
.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

SPAR

views updated May 18 2018

SPAR (spɑː) superprecision-approach radar
• indicating a member of the women's reserve of the US Coast Guard in World War II (from its motto, Semper paratus (Latin: always ready))

The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations FRAN ALEXANDER , PETER BLAIR , JOHN DAINTITH , ALICE GRANDISON , VALERIE ILLINGWORTH , ELIZABETH MARTIN , ANNE STIBBS , JUDY PEARSALL , and SARA TULLOCH

spar

views updated Jun 11 2018

spar2 †strike out with the feet or a weapon OE.; engage in or practise boxing XVIII. OE. sperran, spyrran, *spierran, corr. to ON. sperrask kick out; of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD