Main Entry:

²spar

Function:

intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

sparred; spar·ring

Etymology:

Middle English sparren to dart, spring

Date:

1537

1 a: box ; especially : to gesture without landing a blow to draw one's opponent or create an opening b: to engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing2: skirmish, wrangle3: to strike or fight with feet or spurs in the manner of a gamecock