Obs. [f. SPIRE v.1 1.] Of barley: Sprouted; spoilt on this account for brewing purposes.
1548. Act 2–3 Edw. VI., c. 10 § 2. Any Malte not beinge well and sufficiently made, or beinge made of mowburnte or spired Barley.
1649. Thorpe, Charge at York Assizes, 28. If any Malt-maker do not make his Malt of good and sweet Barley, not Mow-burnt or Spired Barley.
1702. Guide for Constables, 46. Malt … made of … spired barly.
