Obs. Also sperl-. [prob. of Flem. origin: cf. WFlem. spèrel, sperrel door-bar, f. sperren SPAR v.1] A means of closing or fastening; a bar or bolt; a book-clasp.
13[?]. S. Erkenwolde, 49, in Horstm., Altengl. Leg. (1881), 267. Thre sperlis of þe spelunke þat spradde [? read sparde] hit o lofte Was metely made of þe marbre.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 365/1. Ondoynge, or opynynge of schettellys, or sperellys, apercio. Ibid., 469/1. Sperel, or closel yn schetynge,… firmaculum. Ibid. Sperel, of a boke,… offendix,… signaculum.
