spear grass

American  

noun

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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of spear grass

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

Hundreds and thousands of northern flocks receive, during the entire winter, nothing but ordinary hay, consisting mainly of Timothy, some red and white clover, and frequently a sprinkling of gum, or spear grass.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

A gallop of three miles through a dense covert, consisting of strong elastic wands, interlaced with prickly weeds and coarse spear grass, left the crowd far behind us; and, arriving at the spot where the animals had been in view, “Yellow Horse,” with half a score of his wild riders, was alone present.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Tufted annual grass Spear Grass, Poa annua. 40b.

From Project Gutenberg