Obs. [app. f. SPIT sb.1; see -ARD, and cf. G. spiessert.] = SPITTER1.
There is prob. some connection with SPYCCARD, but the exact nature of this is not clear.
1538. Elyot, Subulo, an harte hauynge hornes without tynes, callyd as I suppose a spyttarde.
1607. Topsell, Four-f. Beasts, 121–2. Of the Hart and Hinde…. When they begin to haue hornes, which appeare in the second yeare of their age, like Bodkins without braunches,… the Germans cal such an one Spirzhirtz, which, in English is called a Spittard.
