Also 6 spikie, spykie. [f. SPIKE sb.1] Having the form of a flower-spike; characterized by the production of spikes or ears.
In some contexts not clearly distinct from a.2
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, 105. The floures grow … upon long purple, spykie, knoppes like to the eares or spikes of Bistorte.
1656. Culpepper, Eng. Physic. Enlarged, 162. The stalk riseth above this Leaf … like the spiky head of the Adders-Tongue.
1778. J. Scott, Mor. Eclogues, iii. 9. Spiky mint rich fragrance breathing round.
1828. Blackw. Mag., Dec., 711/2. The tall harvest of spiky wheat.
1883. G. Allen, in Knowledge, 8 June, 336/2. It [rye-grass] is a common roadside weed…, with … a number of spiky flower-heads.
1884. Pall Mall Gaz., 10 June, 4/1. Sweet-vernal-grass … the peculiar spiky plant to which new-mown hay owes with us the whole of its delicious fragrance.
