cockspur

[ kok-spur ]

noun

1. a North American hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, having leathery, toothed leaves and red fruit, cultivated as a small ornamental tree.
2. a gaslight burner having three jets.

cockspur

/ ˈkɒkˌspɜː /

noun

1. a spur on the leg of a cock
2. an annual grass, Echinochloa crus-galli, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions
3. a small thorny North American hawthorn tree, Crataegus crus-galli

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockspur¹

First recorded in 1585–95; for cock's spur

Example Sentences

In 1871 a group of 32 burly Victorians met at the Pall Mall restaurant on Cockspur Street and started the Rugby Football Union.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Phillips sold them three times over, and a like success was achieved by Mr. Baxter, the stationer, also in Cockspur Street.

From Project Gutenberg

The shape and general appearance of this tube has procured it, among the workmen, the name of the cockspur burner.

From Project Gutenberg

A Swing Cockspur Lamp, constructed upon the same plan as fig. 6.

From Project Gutenberg

He broke off and pulled me roughly off the kerb, gripping my arm until we were half-way down Cockspur Street.

From Project Gutenberg

On arriving in Cockspur Street, Hamar's temper underwent a still further trial.

From Project Gutenberg