Definition of Spur

Spur

1. A branch of a vein.
2. The track of an animal, as an otter; a spoor.
3. A sparrow.
4. A tern.
5. An implement secured to the heel, or above the heel, of a horseman, to urge the horse by its pressure. Modern spurs have a small wheel, or rowel, with short points. Spurs were the badge of knighthood.
6. That which goads to action; an incitement.
7. Something that projects; a snag.
8. One of the large or principal roots of a tree.
9. Any stiff, sharp spine, as on the wings and legs of certain burds, on the legs of insects, etc.; especially, the spine on a cock's leg.
10. A mountain that shoots from any other mountain, or range of mountains, and extends to some distance in a lateral direction, or at right angles.
11. A spiked iron worn by seamen upon the bottom of the boot, to enable them to stand upon the carcass of a whale, to strip off the blubber.
12. A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, as a rafter or crossbeam; a strut.
13. The short wooden buttress of a post.
14. A projection from the round base of a column, occupying the angle of a square plinth upon which the base rests, or bringing the bottom bed of the base to a nearly square form. It is generally carved in leafage.
15. Any projecting appendage of a flower looking like a spur.
16. Ergotized rye or other grain.
17. A wall that crosses a part of a rampart and joins to an inner wall.
18. A piece of timber fixed on the bilge ways before launching, having the upper ends bolted to the vessel's side.
19. A curved piece of timber serving as a half to support the deck where a whole beam can not be placed.
20. To prick with spurs; to incite to a more hasty pace; to urge or goad; as, to spur a horse.
21. To urge or encourage to action, or to a more vigorous pursuit of an object; to incite; to stimulate; to instigate; to impel; to drive.
22. To put spurs on; as, a spurred boot.
23. To spur on one' horse; to travel with great expedition; to hasten; hence, to press forward in any pursuit.