noun / verb
spear
SPEER/spɪr/
A long weapon ending in a sharp point.
The spear has a long wooden shaft and a pointed metal head.
Etymology
Old English spere named the weapon itself, including javelins and lances, so the modern meaning continues an established use. The word family's deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
the long straining ranks faced each other with fierce stab of spear on one side and heavy beat of ax or mace upon the other
More examples
- The hunters carry spears and shields.
- She spears an olive with her fork.
- He speared a fish in the shallow water.
Forms
spear · spears · speared · spearing
Similar words
- lance
- A long spear traditionally used by a mounted fighter.
- javelin
- A light spear designed primarily to be thrown.
- pierce
- Means making a hole, without necessarily catching or holding anything.