spar /(spär)/

spar

n.
  1. 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. (Min.)

Phrases & Compounds
Blue spar
See under Blue, Cube, etc.

Spar

n.
  1. A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff. (Naut.)
  2. Formerly, a piece of timber, in a general sense; -- still applied locally to rafters. (Arch.)
  3. The bar of a gate or door. [Obs.]

Phrases & Compounds
Spar buoy
a buoy anchored by one end so that the other end rises above the surface of the water.
Spar deck
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
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.
  1. To bolt; to bar. [Obs.]
  2. To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel.

Spar

v. i.

imp. & p. p. Sparred; p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring

  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.
  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.