spur

Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to: navigation, search
See also Spur

Contents

English [edit]

Wikipedia has an article on:

Wikipedia

Western-style cowboy spurs

Etymology [edit]

Old English spora.

Pronunciation [edit]

Noun [edit]

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.
    • 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, tree roots.
    • 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.
    • 1610, The Tempest, by Shakespeare, act 5 scene 1
      [...] the strong-bas'd promontory
      Have I made shake; and by the spurs pluck'd up
      The pine and cedar [...]

Derived terms [edit]

Related terms [edit]

Translations [edit]

Verb [edit]

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

  1. To prod (especially 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.

Derived terms [edit]

Translations [edit]