spur
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
See also Spur
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
[edit] Pronunciation
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- Rhymes: -ɜː(r)
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
spur (plural spurs)
- 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.
- 1598, William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene VI, line 4:
- 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...
- 1601, William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, Act II, Scene II, line 198.
- An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster.
- Any protruding part connected at one end, for instance a highway that extends from another highway into a city.
- 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.
- 1609, William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act IV, Scene II, line 57:
- (slang) Fan or member of Tottenham Hotspur FC.
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Related terms
[edit] Translations
A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for purpose of prodding a horse
Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does to a horse
An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster
Any protruding part connected at one end
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[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to spur (third-person singular simple present spurs, present participle spurring, simple past and past participle spurred)
- 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!
- 1592, William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act V, Scene III, line 339:
- 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...
- 1599, William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act III, Scene IV, line 4.
- To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.
[edit] Translations
to prod
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