also 7–8 akerspire. [f. prec.] To throw out the first leaf-sprout.
1616. Surflet & Mark., Countrey Farme, 557. Turne the malt vpon the floore twice or thrice a day, least forbearing so to doe, the corne heat, and by that meanes aker-spire, which is, to sprout at both ends, and so loose the heart of the graine, and make the malt good for nothing.
1742. Lond. & Country Brewer, I. (ed. 4), 6. Turning the Malt often, that it neither moulds nor aker-spires.
