spitter

¹ American  

[spit-er] / ˈspɪt ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that spits.

2. Baseball. spitball.

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spitter ² American  

[spit-er] / ˈspɪt ər /

noun

1. brocket.

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Etymology

Origin of spitter¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at spit ¹, -er ¹

Origin of spitter²

First recorded in 1555–65; spit ² + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“I’d rather face a 500 mile-per-hour fast ball than that 85-mph spitter Perry used to have. At least then I’d have a chance.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2022

But his name will always be synonymous with his “survival pitch,” the spitter.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2022

For many years Ford denied speculation that he threw a spitter or otherwise doctored the ball to make it move more and be tougher to hit.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2020

It turned out there was a second spitter — Roger McDowell.

From Washington Times • Nov. 19, 2019

I can handle Ty, though, because he’s not a big spitter.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead