spear grass

American  

noun

1. any of various grasses, as a meadow grass or a bent grass, having lance-shaped leaves or floral spikes.

---

spear grass British  

noun

1. another name for wild Spaniard

2. any of various native Australian grasses, esp of the genera Stipa or Heteropogon , with sharp-pointed seeds

3. any of various grasses with sharp stiff blades or seeds

---

Etymology

Origin of spear grass

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Native grasses are the white clover, spear grass, blue grass, fox-tail and crab grass, the two last-named being summer or annual grasses.

From History and Comprehensive Description of Loudoun County, Virginia by Head, James William

The earth elves were on foot, in green suits, with acorn cups for helmets and spear grass for lances.

From Lulu's Library, Volume II by Alcott, Louisa May

I was riding hard to intercept them when I was suddenly sent flying on to my head, turning a somersault on to a rough bank of spear grass.

From Five Years in New Zealand 1859 to 1864 by Booth, Robert B.

They soon disappeared into a jungle of spear grass, above which the sunrise was spreading its bands of smoky gold and rose.

From Sacrifice by Whitman, Stephen French

There is Newton marsh With its spear grass harsh— A pleasant summer level Where the maidens sweet Of the Market Street, Do meet in the dusk to revel.

From Letters of John Keats to His Family and Friends by Keats, John