spar

spar

spar¹ [spär]

n.

[< MDu or MLowG, akin to OE spær(stan), gypsum, chalk]

any shiny, crystalline, nonmetallic mineral that cleaves easily into chips or flakes

spar² [spär]

n.

[ME sparre < ON sparri or MDu sparre < IE base * sper-, pole, rod > SPEAR, L sparus, short spear]

1. any pole, as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff, supporting or extending a sail of a ship

2. any of the main structural beams attached to the fuselage of an airplane to support the wings

vt.

sparred, sparring

to equip with spars

spar³ [spär]

vi.

sparred, sparring [ME sparren, prob. < MFr esparer < It sparare, to fling out the hind legs, kick < s- (< L ex-, intens.) + parare, to PARRY]

1. to fight with the feet and spurs: said of a fighting cock

2. to box with jabbing or feinting movements, landing few heavy blows, as in exhibition or practice matches

3. to wrangle or dispute

n.

1. a sparring match or movement

2. a dispute