[f. SPRIG sb.2]
† 1. a. intr. To form rootlets. Obs.–0
1611. Cotgr., Cheveler, to sprig, or sprigle; to root, or put forth a hairie, or small root.
b. trans. To divide into branches.
1658. Bromhall, Treat. Specters, I. 68. Those nerves, which are sprigg’d from the back-bone into the joynts all about.
2. trans. To decorate or cover with designs representing sprigs.
1731. Mrs. Delany, Life & Corr. (1861), I. 284. A very fine blue satin, sprigged all over with white. Ibid. (1745–6), II. 414. Some are so silly, they tell me, is to have them sprigged with silver.
1761. Mrs. F. Sheridan, Sidney Bidulph, V. 237. Dolly was helping Cecilia to sprig some fine muslin that she is now working for an apron.
1850. Kingsley, A. Locke, ii. Wondering when I … should shine … in a blue satin tie sprigged with gold.
1895. Daily News, 5 June, 5/3. The fleur-de-lys … is used to sprig the wide expanse where there is no other decorative design.
fig. 1830–6. O. W. Holmes, Evening, Poems 1892, I. 21. I can hail the flowers That sprig earth’s mantle.
