Category:Spar

Spar, n. Etym: [as. spær in spærstan chalkstone; akin to mhg. spar, G. sparkalk plaster.] (min.)

Defn: 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 Spar, n. Etym: [oe. sparre; akin to d. spar, g. sparren, ohg. sparro, Dan.& Sw. sparre, icel. sparri; of uncertain origin. Spar, v. t. ]

1. (naut.)

Defn: a general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, Boom, or gaff.

2. (arch.)

Defn: 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 Spar, v. t. Etym: [oe. sparren, as. sparrian; akin to g. sperren, Icel. sperra; from the noun. sq. root171. 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 Spar, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparred; p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.] Etym: [of uncertain origin; cf. Of. esparer to kick, f. éparer, 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 Spar, n.

1. A contest at sparring or boxing.

2. A movement of offense or defense in boxing.