Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Spar?

\Spar\, n. [AS. sp[ae]r in sp[ae]rst[=a]n chalkstone; akin to MHG. spar, G. sparkalk plaster.] (Min.) An old name for a nonmetallic mineral, usually cleavable and somewhat lustrous; as, calc spar, or calcite, fluor spar, etc. It was especially used in the case of the gangue minerals of a metalliferous vein. {Blue spar}, {Cube spar}, etc. See under {Blue}, {Cube}, etc.
\Spar\, n. [OE. sparre; akin to D. spar, G. sparren, OHG. sparro, Dan.& Sw. sparre, Icel. sparri; of uncertain origin. ? 171. Cf. {Spar}, v. t. ] 1. (Naut.) A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff. 2. (Arch.) Formerly, a piece of timber, in a general sense; -- still applied locally to rafters. 3. The bar of a gate or door. [Obs.] --Chaucer. {Spar buoy} (Naut.), a buoy anchored by one end so that the other end rises above the surface of the water. {Spar deck} (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. See under {Deck}. {Spar torpedo} (Naut.), a torpedo carried on the end of a spar usually projecting from the bow of a vessel, and intended to explode upon contact with an enemy's ships.
\Spar\, v. t. [OE. sparren, AS. sparrian; akin to G. sperren, Icel. sperra; from the noun. [root]171. See {Spara} beam, bar.] 1. To bolt; to bar. [Obs.] --Chaucer. 2. To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel. Note: A vessel equipped with spars that are too large or too small is said to be oversparred or undersparred.
\Spar\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sparred}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Sparring}.] [Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick, F. ['e]parer, or Icel. sperra to stretch out the legs, to struggle.] 1. To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do. 2. To use the fists and arms scientifically in attack or defense; to contend or combat with the fists, as for exercise or amusement; to box. Made believe to spar at Paul with great science. --Dickens. 3. To contest in words; to wrangle. [Colloq.]
\Spar\, n. 1. A contest at sparring or boxing. 2. A movement of offense or defense in boxing.