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sparred

 - 5 dictionary results

spar

1  [spahr] ,noun, verb, sparred, spar⋅ring.
Use sparred in a Sentence
–noun
1. Nautical. a stout pole such as those used for masts, etc.; a mast, yard, boom, gaff, or the like.
2. Aeronautics. a principal lateral member of the framework of a wing of an airplane.
–verb (used with object)
3. to provide or make with spars.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME sparre (n.); c. G Sparren, D spar, ON sparri

Related forms:
sparlike, adjective

spar

2  [spahr] ,verb, sparred, spar⋅ring, noun
–verb (used without object)
1. (of boxers) to make the motions of attack and defense with the arms and fists, esp. as a part of training.
2. to box, esp. with light blows.
3. to strike or attack with the feet or spurs, as gamecocks do.
4. to bandy words; dispute.
–noun
5. a motion of sparring.
6. a boxing match.
7. a dispute.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME: orig., thrust (n. and v.); perh. akin to spur
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sparred
spar 1   (spär)   
n.  

  1. Nautical A wooden or metal pole, such as a boom, yard, or bowsprit, used to support sails and rigging.

  2. A usually metal pole used as part of a crane or derrick.

  3. A main structural member in an airplane wing or a tail assembly that runs from tip to tip or from root to tip.

tr.v.   sparred, spar·ring, spars

  1. To supply with spars.

  2. Archaic To fasten with a bolt.


[Middle English sparre, rafter.]
spar 2   (spär)   
intr.v.   sparred, spar·ring, spars

    1. To fight with an opponent in a short bout or practice session, as in boxing or the martial arts.

    2. To make boxing or fighting motions without hitting one's opponent.

  2. To bandy words about in argument; dispute.

  3. To fight by striking with the feet and spurs. Used of gamecocks.

n.  

  1. A motion of attack or defense in boxing.

  2. A sparring match.


[Middle English sparren, to thrust or strike rapidly, perhaps from obsolete French esparer, to kick, from Old Italian sparare, to fling : s-, intensive pref.; see sforzando + parare, to ward off; see parry.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

spar  (n.2)
"shiny mineral that splits easily," 1581, from Low Ger. Spar, from M.L.G. *spar, sper, cognate with O.E. spær- in spærstan "gypsum."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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