Spar (?), n. [AS. spaer in spaerstan chalkstone; akin to MHG. spar, G. sparkalk plaster.] Min.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Spar, n. [OE. sparre; akin to D. spar, G. sparren, OHG. sparro, Dan.& Sw. sparre, Icel. sparri; of uncertain origin. 171. Cf. Spar, v. t. ]
1. Naut.
A general term any round piece of timber used as a mast, yard, boom, or gaff.
2. Arch.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Spar, v. t. [OE. sparren, AS. sparrian; akin to G. sperren, Icel. sperra; from the noun. &root;171. See Spara beam, bar.]
1.
To bolt; to bar.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
2.
To To supply or equip with spars, as a vessel.
⇒ A vessel equipped with spars that are too large or too small is said to be oversparred or undersparred.
© Webster 1913.
Spar, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparred (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.] [Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick, F. 'eparer, 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.]
<-- sparring partner, (Boxing) one who spars with a boxer as an opponent for training purposes. -->
© Webster 1913.
Spar, n.
1.
A contest at sparring or boxing.
2.
A movement of offense or defense in boxing.
© Webster 1913.