cockspur
Americannoun
-
a North American hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, having leathery, toothed leaves and red fruit, cultivated as a small ornamental tree.
-
a gaslight burner having three jets.
noun
-
a spur on the leg of a cock
-
an annual grass, Echinochloa crus-galli, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions
-
a small thorny North American hawthorn tree, Crataegus crus-galli
Etymology
Origin of cockspur
First recorded in 1585–95; for cock's spur
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The size of the flame being, in comparison with that of the cockspur, so much larger proportionately to the metal burner, the cooling effect of the latter was not so apparent.
From Gas Burners Old and New by Merriman, Owen
It was somewhat more efficient than the cockspur burner.
From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew
The shape and general appearance of this tube has procured for it, among the workmen, the name of the "cockspur" burner.
From Gas Burners Old and New by Merriman, Owen
The little lady hath no shoon, no skirt that holds together, save by the grace of cockspur thorns that bind the tatters.
From The Hidden Children by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)
Large plains, with thorny jungles and bushes of the long cockspur thorn interspersed, formed the character of the ground.
From The Rifle and the Hound in Ceylon by Baker, Samuel White, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
