Spur

Quick meaning: Spur is a noun meaning A jab given with the spurs.

Meaning

A jab given with the spurs.

More Meanings

1. (figurative) Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does a horse.
2. An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster.
3. Any protruding part connected at one end, for instance a highway that extends from another highway into a city.
4. Roots, tree roots.
5. (geology) A mountain that shoots from another mountain or range and extends some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.
6. A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale to strip off the blubber.
7. A rigid implement, often roughly y-shaped, that is fixed to one's heel for the purpose of prodding a horse. Often worn by, and emblematic of, the cowboy or the knight.

Example Sentences

I do note / That grief and patience, rooted in them both, / Mingle their spurs together.

[…] the strong-bas'd promontory / Have I made shake; and by the spurs pluck'd up / The pine and cedar […]

But a narrow spur of rocks arched out and over the hole, ending in an outcrop perhaps a hundred feet across.

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.

Word Forms

• spurs
• spurring
• spurred

Synonyms for spur

Depending on context, synonyms include incite, stimulate, instigate, impel, drive, abet.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include goad, prod, prodding, gad, goading, spine.

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