spur

spur [spʉr]

n.

[ME spure < OE spura, akin to Ger sporn < IE base * sp(h)er-, to jerk, push with the foot > SPURN, Sans sphurāti, (he) kicks away, L spernere, lit., to push away]

1. any of various pointed devices worn on the heel by the rider of a horse and used to urge the horse forward

2. anything that urges, impels, or incites; stimulus to action

3. something like a spur; specif.,

a) a spinelike process, as on the wings or legs of certain birds

b) a spinelike outgrowth of bone, as on the human heel, resulting from injury, disease, etc.

c) a climbing iron, as used by lumberjacks

d) a sharp metal device attached as a weapon to the leg of a gamecock in a cockfight

e) a short, stunted, or projecting branch or shoot of a tree, etc.

4. a range or ridge projecting in a lateral direction from the main mass of a mountain or mountain range

5.

a) GRIFFE

b) a buttress, as of masonry, or any similar structure

c) a short wooden reinforcing piece; brace; strut

6. SPUR TRACK

7. Bot. a slender, tubelike structure formed by a basal extension of one or more petals or sepals, often serving as a nectar receptacle; calcar

vt.

spurred, spurring

1. to strike or prick with a spur or spurs

2. to urge, incite, or stimulate to action, greater effort, etc.

3. to provide with a spur or spurs

4. to strike or injure as with a SPUR (sense 3d)

vi.

1. to spur one's horse

2. to hurry; hasten

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on the spur of the moment

hastily and abruptly; without forethought or preparation

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win one's spurs

to attain distinction or honor, esp. for the first time; establish one's reputation

spurrer

n.