| Definitions | | spur |
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noun
- 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.
- (slang) Fan or member of Tottenham Hotspur F.C
- Quotations
- 1598: 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. — William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act IV, Scene VI, line 4.
- 1786: 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. — Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 22.
- See also
- rowel
- pryck, prick
- External links
- Wikipedia article on w:spur, spur.
- Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does to a horse.
- Quotations
- 1601: But, worthy Hector, She is a theme of honour and renown, A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds... — William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida, Act II, Scene II, line 198.
- An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster.
- Any protruding part connected at one end, for instance a highway that extends from another highway into a city.
- Roots. (As in genealogical?). Spurs are symbolic of knighthood, so perhaps spurs in this context is an allusion to the hereditary aspect of knighthood. Any insights would be appreciated.
- Quotations
- 1609: I do note That grief and patience, rooted in them both, Mingle their spurs together. — William Shakespeare, Cymbeline, Act IV, Scene II, line 57.
Translations: - German: Ansporn
(trans-bottom)
(trans-top, An appendage or spike pointing rearward, near the foot, for instance that of a rooster)
- Spanish: espuela
(trans-bottom)
(trans-top, Anything that inspires or motivates, as a spur does to a horse)
verb (spur, r, ed)
- To prod (esp. a horse) in the side or flank, with the intent to urge motion or haste, to gig.
- Quotations
- 1592: Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head! Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood; Amaze the welkin with your broken staves! — William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act V, Scene III, line 339.
- 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.
- Quotations
- 1599: My desire (More sharp than filed steel) did spur me forth... — William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act III, Scene IV, line 4.
- To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.
Translations: - German: [[Sporen versehen
(trans-mid)
(trans-bottom)
Etymology: Old English spora
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