spitball

[ spit-bawl ]

/ ˈspɪtˌbɔl /

a small ball or lump of chewed paper used as a missile.

Also called spitter. Baseball. a pitch, now illegal, made to curve by moistening one side of the ball with saliva or perspiration.

Nearby words

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; spit¹ + ball¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Then take a wrapped straw, unwrap it, tear off a little piece of paper and make a spitball.
Why the Biathlon Makes Bonds of Us All|Brett Singer|February 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I thought I could go through the motion of throwing a spitball without letting it go.
The Iron Puddler|James J. Davis
But the very first "spitball" which spattered upon the blackboard proved a disastrous missile for its thrower.
Cy Whittaker's Place|Joseph C. Lincoln
There are also other modifications called "the fade away," "the spitball," and others.
Outdoor Sports and Games|Claude H. Miller

He had never cared for the spitball, as he knew that sooner or later it destroyed a pitchers effectiveness.
Baseball Joe, Home Run King|Lester Chadwick
Hooper was a spitball artist, and his moist slants kept the Giants guessing in the early part of the game.
Baseball Joe, Home Run King|Lester Chadwick