Dictionary
An American Dictionary of the English Language
Revised and enlarged (Goodrich & Porter)
Springfield, Mass. · G. & C. Merriam · 1865
- Entries
- 95,912
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- 2,133
Look up a word as the writers of the time used it.
Spăng, n. p. 1264A spangle or shining ornament. [Obs.] “With glittering spangs that did like stars appear.” Spenser.Spăng, n. p. 1264A bound or spring. [Scot.] Jamieson.Spăng, v. i. p. 1264To spring with elastic force. [Scot.] But when they spang o’er reason’s fence, We smart for’t at our own expense. Ramsay.Spăn'gle, n. p. 1264A small plate or boss of shining metal; something brilliant used as an ornament. 2. Any little thing which sparkles by reflection in the light; any thing small and brilliant. “The rich spangles that…Spāng'gle, v. t. p. 1264To set or sprinkle with spangles; to adorn with small, distinct, brilliant bodies; as, a spangled breastplate. Donne. What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty? Shak.Spăn'gler, n. p. 1264One who spangles.Spăn'iard, n. p. 1265(Geog.) A native or inhabitant of Spain.Spăn'iel, n. p. 1265A dog used in sports of the field, remarkable for his sagacity and obedience. 2. A mean, cringing, fawning person. [R.] Shak.Spăn'iel, a. p. 1265Like a spaniel; hence, mean; fawning. [Rare.] Shak.Spăn'iel, v. i. p. 1265To fawn; to cringe; to be obsequious. [Rare.] Churchill.Spăn'iel, v. t. p. 1265To follow like a spaniel. [Rare.]Spăn'ish, a. p. 1265(Geog.) Of, or pertaining to, Spain. Spanish-bayonet (Bot.), a plant of the genus Yucca, found in some parts of the Southern United States, in New Mexico, and Arizona, having stiff, sharp-pointed…Spăn'ish, n. p. 1265The language of Spain.Spānk, v. t. p. 1265To strike on the breech with the open hand; to slap.Spānk, v. i. p. 1265To move with a quick, lively step between a trot and gallop; to move quickly. Grose.Spānk'er, n. p. 1265A small coin. Derham. 2. [From spank.] (Naut.) The after-sail of a ship or bark, being a fore-and-aft sail, attached to a gaff,—formerly called driver. Totten. 3. One who takes long strides in…Spănk'ing, p. a. p. 1265Striking with the open hand. 2. Moving with a quick, lively pace. Spanking breeze, a strong breeze.Spănk'ing, a. p. 1265Large; stout. [Colloq.] Halliwell.Spān'-lŏng, a. p. 1265Of the length of a span.Spăn'ner, n. p. 1265One who spans. 2. The lock of a fusee or carbine; also, the fusee itself. [Obs.] 3. An iron instrument used in the manner of a lever to tighten the nuts upon screws; also, a hose-wrench. 4. (pl.) A…Spān'-new, a. p. 1265Quite new; brand-new; fire-new. “A span-new archbishop’s chairs.” Fuller.Spăn'/nish-ing, n. p. 1265The full blooming of a flower. [Obs.] Chaucer.Spān'-pīḗce, n. p. 1265(Arch.) The collar-beam of a roof.Spān'-rōof, n. p. 1265A common roof, having eaves on two sides. Gavit.Spăn'-shăck/le, n. p. 1265(Naut.) A large bolt driven through the forecastle, and forelocked under the forecastle beam, both under and upon the upper-deck beam. Ogilvie.Spăn'-worm, n. p. 1265(Entom.) The canker-worm;—so called from its peculiar mode of progression, in which it spans or measures the distance over which it passes. See CANKER-WORM.Spār, n. p. 1265(Min.) Any earthy mineral that breaks with regular surfaces, and has some degree of luster; a crystallized earthy mineral of a shining luster. Dana.Spār, n. p. 1265(Naut.) A long beam;—a general term for mast, yard, boom, and gaff. Totten. 2. (Arch.) Formerly, a piece of timber of various kinds;—still applied locally to rafters. 3. The bar of a gate or door.…Spār, v. t. p. 1265To shut close, or fasten with a bar; to bar. [Obs.] Chaucer.Spār, v. i. p. 1265To fight with prelusive strokes; to contend or combat with the fists for exercise or amusement; to box. “Made believe to spar at Paul with great science.” Dickens. 2. To dispute; to quarrel in words…Spār, n. p. 1265A feigned blow; as, to make a spar at a person. Dickens. 2. A contention with the fists; a contest at sparring or boxing.Spār'a-ble, n. p. 1265A small nail used by shoemakers.Spār'a-drāp, n. p. 1265A cere-cloth. [Obs.] Wiseman.Spār'age, n. p. 1265Asparagus. See ASPARAGUS.Spār'a-gās p. 1265Bp. Taylor.Spār'ble, v. t. p. 1265To scatter; to disperse; to rout. [Obs.] The king's host was sparbled and chased. Fabyan.Spär'-dĕck, n. p. 1265(Naut.) The upper deck of a vessel; especially, in a frigate, the deck which is continued in a straight line from the quarter-deck to the forecastle, and on which spare spars are usually placed.…Spāre, v. t. p. 1265To hold as scarce or valuable; to retain as precious; to use frugally; to dispense cautiously; to save. Thou thy Father's thunder didst not spare. Milton. 2. To part with reluctantly; to suffer to…Spāre, v. i. p. 1265To be frugal; not to be profuse. 2. To live frugally; to be parsimonious. Who at some times spend, at others spare, Divided between carelessness and care. Pope. 3. To forbear; to be scrupulous. To…Spāre, a. p. 1265Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet. 2. Parsimonious; chary; sparing. He was spare, but discreet of speech. Carew. 3. Over and above what is necessary, or which may be dispensed with…Spāre, n. p. 1265Parsimony; frugal use. [Obs.] Bacon. 2. An opening in a petticoat or similar garment; a placket. [Obs.] 3. The act of sparing; moderation. [Obs.] “Killing for sacrifice, without any spare.” Holland.…Spāre'ful, a. p. 1265Sparing; chary. [Obs.] Fairfax.Spāre'ful-ness, n. p. 1265The quality of being spareful; sparingness. [Obs.]Spāre'ly, adv. p. 1265In a spare manner; sparingly.Spāre'ness, n. p. 1265The state of being lean or thin; leanness.Spār'er, n. p. 1265One who spares, or avoids unnecessary expense.Spāre'-rib, n. p. 1265The piece of a hog taken from the side, consisting of the ribs with little flesh on them.Spar'ge-fäc'tion, n. p. 1265The act of sprinkling. [Obs.] Swift.Spar'ger, n. p. 1265A copper cylinder used by brewers for dashing or sprinkling. Simmonds.Spär'-hawk, n. p. 1265See SPARROW-HAWK.Spăr'-hŭng, a. p. 1265Hung with spar, as a cave.Spār'ing, a. p. 1265Scarce; little. Of this there is with you sparing memory, or none. Bacon. 2. Scanty; not plentiful; not abundant; as, a sparing diet. 3. Saving; parsimonious; chary. Virgil, being so very sparing of…Spar'ing-ly, adv. p. 1265In a sparing manner; not abundantly; frugally; parsimoniously; abstinently; moderately; seldom; cautiously; tenderly.Spā'ring-ness, n. p. 1265The quality of being sparing; parsimony; want of liberality; caution.Spärk, n. p. 1265A small particle of fire or ignited substance which is emitted from bodies in combustion. Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job v. 7. 2. A small, shining body, or transient light; a…Spärk, v. i. p. 1265To emit particles of fire; to sparkle. [Obs.] Spenser. 2. To play the spark or lover. “A sure sign that his master was courting, or, as it is termed, sparking, within.” W. Irving.Spark'-ar-rest'er or Spark'er, n. p. 1265A contrivance to prevent the escape of sparks, while it allows the passage of gas;— chiefly used in the chimney of a wood-burning locomotive. [U. S.]Spärk'-eyed, a. p. 1265Bright-eyed.Spärk'ful, a. p. 1265Lively; brisk; gay. [Obs.] Camden.Spärk'ish, a. p. 1265Like a spark; airy; gay. Welsh. 2. Showy; well-dressed; fine.