spar2

 
Pronunciation: /spɑː/

verb (spars, sparring, sparred)

[no object]
  • 1make the motions of boxing without landing heavy blows, as a form of training: one contestant broke his nose while sparring
  • argue with someone without marked hostility: mother and daughter spar regularly over drink, drugs, and career
  • 2(of a gamecock) fight with the feet or spurs.

noun

  • 1a period or bout of sparring.
  • 2 informal a close friend: Buster was his spar and he didn’t want to let him down

Origin:

Old English sperran, spyrran 'strike out', of unknown origin; compare with Old Norse sperrask 'kick out'