cockspur

American  

[kok-spur] / ˈkɒkˌspɜr /

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.

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cockspur British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of cockspur

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

Example Sentences

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)

When Australia was first colonised, any sensible man might have foreboded sorrel, cockspur, Scotch thistle, &c., as unwelcome, but unavoidable, adjuncts of settlement.

From Such Is Life by Furphy, Joseph

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

The cockspur thorn is a small, handsome tree, fifteen to twenty feet high, with stiff branches in a broad round head.

From Trees Worth Knowing by Rogers, Julia Ellen

He used two types of burners, the Argand and the cockspur.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew