Main Entry:

¹spur

Pronunciation:

\ˈspər\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English spure, from Old English spura; akin to Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse bplural [from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood] : recognition and reward for achievement <won his academic spurs as the holder of a chair in a university — James Mountford>2: a goad to action : stimulus3: something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as a: a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine b (1): a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect) ; especially : one on a cock's leg (2): a gaff for a gamecock c: a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d: a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot) e: climbing iron 4 a: an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation ; especially : a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range b: a railroad track that branches off from a main line5: a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification

synonyms see motive

— on the spur of the moment

: on impulse : suddenly