spur

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

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Spur (disambiguation)

Wikipedia

Western-style cowboy spurs

[edit] Etymology

Old English spora

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)

[edit] Noun

spur (plural spurs)

1. A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for purpose of prodding a horse. Often worn by, and emblematic of, the cowboy or the knight.^W.
   • 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene VI, line 4:

     Lives he, good uncle? thrice within this hour I saw him down; thrice up again, and fighting; From helmet to the spur all blood he was.

   • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 22:

     Two sorts of spurs seem to have been in use about the time of the Conquest, one called a pryck, having only a single point like the gaffle of a fighting cock; the other consisting of a number of points of considerable length, radiating from and revolving on a center, thence named the rouelle or wheel spur.

2. Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does to a horse.
   • 1601, William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, Act II, Scene II, line 198.

     But, worthy Hector, She is a theme of honour and renown, A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds...

3. An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster.
4. Any protruding part connected at one end, for instance a highway that extends from another highway into a city.
5. Roots.(Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) (As in genealogical?). Spurs are symbolic of knighthood, so perhaps spurs in this context is an allusion to the hereditary aspect of knighthood. Any insights would be appreciated.
   • 1609, William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act IV, Scene II, line 57:

     I do note That grief and patience, rooted in them both, Mingle their spurs together.

6. (slang) Fan or member of Tottenham Hotspur FC.

[edit] Derived terms

• spur-of-the-moment

[edit] Related terms

• (rigid implement) rowel, pryck, prick

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to spur (third-person singular simple present spurs, present participle spurring, simple past and past participle spurred)

1. To prod (esp. a horse) in the side or flank, with the intent to urge motion or haste, to gig.
   • 1592, William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act V, Scene III, line 339:

     Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head! Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood; Amaze the welkin with your broken staves!

2. To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object; to incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to impel; to drive.
   • 1599, William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act III, Scene IV, line 4.

     My desire (More sharp than filed steel) did spur me forth...

3. To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.

[edit] Translations