sprag

[sprag]

noun

a pole or bar hinged to the rear axle of a cart or the like in such a way that it can brace the vehicle against a road to prevent it from rolling downhill.
Mining. a short timber for propping up loose walls or spacing two sets.

verb (used with object), spragged, sprag·ging.

to prop, support, or immobilize (a vehicle) by means of a sprag.

verb (used without object), spragged, sprag·ging.

to slow a vehicle by means of a sprag or, sometimes, by bracing the feet against the ground.

Origin of sprag

1835–45; special use of dial. sprag twig (Old English spræcg shoot, slip); akin to sprig

sprag

[sprag]

noun

a young cod.

Origin of sprag

1700–10; special use of dial. sprag twig, lively young man; see sprag¹ and for meaning, cf. sprig

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for sprag

Historical Examples of sprag

Next instant (to make quite sure) I jumped out, ran to the front, and lowered the sprag.
The Lightning Conductor
C. N. Williamson
For all that, it's a sheer impossibility that you should guess who put a sprag in the wheel of Hilton's chariot.
The Strange Case of Mortimer Fenley
Louis Tracy
Sprag, sprag, n. a piece of wood used to lock a wheel: a punch-prop in mining.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)
Various
Conclusion; with a testimonial of commodore Sprag in behalf of the assembly.
The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, [Vol 3 of 3]
Benjamin Franklin

British Dictionary definitions for sprag

sprag

noun

a chock or steel bar used to prevent a vehicle from running backwards on an incline
a support or post used in mining
NZ mining a steel bar inserted into the wheels of a box to act as a brake

Word Origin for sprag

C19: of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for sprag

"prop in a mine," 1841, of unknown origin. Transferred by 1878 to wood blocks, etc., used to brake motor vehicles. As a verb, from 1841. Related: Spragged; spragging.