Webster's English Dictionary

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spar

1. spar \'spa:r\ n [ME sparre; akin to OE spere spear] 1: a stout pole  2a: 
   a stout rounded wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) us ed 
   to support rigging 2b1: one of the main longitudinal members of the wing of 
   an airplane that c arry the ribs 2b2: LONGERON 
2. spar vi or sparred;  or spar.ring [prob. alter. of 2spur] 1: to strike 
   or fight with the feet or spurs like a gamecock  2a: BOX; esp : to gesture 
   without landing a blow to draw one 's opponent or create an opening 2b: to 
   engage in a practice or exhibition bout of boxing  3: SKIRMISH, WRANGLE 
3. spar n 1: a movement of offense or defense in boxing  2: a sparring 
   match or session 
4. spar n [LG; akin to OE sprsta-n gypsum, spren of plas]ter : 
   any of various nonmetallic usu. cleavable and lustrous minerals Spar 
   \'spa:r\ n [Semper Paratus, motto of the U.S. Coast Guard, fr. NL, always 
   read]y : a member of the women's reserve of the U.S. Coast Guard