[f. SPAR v.2]
† 1. A thrust. Obs.–1
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 10684. Menestaus … Presit Polidamas & put hym of horse, With a spar of a speire.
2. A boxing-match; a display of boxing; a motion of sparring.
1814. Monthly Mag., XXXVIII. 439. He’s coming: I know the white steed from afar; He is not a man to be late at a spar.
1901. Oxford Times, 16 March, 4/2. Boxing: an interesting exhibition spar was given by … two boys.
3. A cock-fight.
1849. D. J. Browne, Amer. Poultry Yd. (1855), 45. Many of the handsomest game cocks … are already trimmed, (in the comb at least,) in case they should be wanted in a hurry for a private spar.
4. transf. A wordy contest or dispute.
1836–7. Dickens, Sk. Boz, Tales, x. Mr. Timson … kept up a running spar with Mr. Watkins Tottle.
1841. Hood, Tale of Trumpet, 661. Such wrangle, and jangle, and miff, and tiff, And spar, and jar.
1861. Mrs. Riddell, City & Suburb, 207. Ruby faced out, and had a spar with him.
