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

See Examples For:

spear grass

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

From Lulu's Library, Volume II by Alcott, Louisa May

He took it up in his hands; and when he held it in his hands, he saw that it was not an arrow but a blade of spear grass.

From Blackfoot Lodge Tales The Story of a Prairie People by Grinnell, George Bird

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 Sheep, Swine, and Poultry Embracing the History and Varieties of Each; The Best Modes of Breeding; Their Feeding and Management; Together with etc. by Jennings, Robert

They soon disappeared into a jungle of spear grass, above which the sunrise was spreading its bands of smoky gold and rose.

From Sacrifice by Whitman, Stephen French

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 Letters of John Keats to His Family and Friends by Keats, John