spear / spi(ə)r/ • n. a weapon with a long shaft and a pointed tip, typically of metal, used for thrusting or throwing. ∎  a similar barbed instrument used for catching fish. ∎ archaic a spearman. ∎  a plant shoot, esp. a pointed stem of asparagus or broccoli.• v. [tr.] pierce or strike with a spear or other pointed object: she speared her last French fry with her fork. ∎  quickly extend the arm to catch (a fast-moving ball or other object): he hit a line drive that Bogar speared backhanded.

spear a spear is the emblem of St Thomas the Apostle.
spear-carrier an actor with a walk-on part; an unimportant participant in something.
spear side the male side or members of a family, the opposite of the distaff side.

spear sb. OE. spere = OS., OHG. sper (Du., G. speer), ON. (pl.) spjǫr.
Hence vb. XVIII.