sprag
1[ sprag ]
/ spræg /
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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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
Question 1 of 7
Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Origin of sprag
1Words nearby sprag
S.P.Q.R., S.P.R., Sprachgefühl, spraddle, spraddle-legged, sprag, Sprague, sprain, sprain fracture, spraint, sprang
Definition for sprag (2 of 2)
sprag2
[ sprag ]
/ spræg /
noun
a young cod.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for sprag
Sprag, sprag, n. a piece of wood used to lock a wheel: a punch-prop in mining.
Conclusion; with a testimonial of commodore Sprag in behalf of the assembly.
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 TracyNext instant (to make quite sure) I jumped out, ran to the front, and lowered the sprag.
The Lightning Conductor|C. N. Williamson
British Dictionary definitions for sprag
sprag
/ (spræɡ) /
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
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