What is "sparred"

Spar \Spar\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sparred; p. pr. & vb. n. Sparring.] [Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick, F. ['e]parer, or Icel. sperra to stretch out the legs, to struggle.]

1. To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do.

2. To use the fists and arms scientifically in attack or defense; to contend or combat with the fists, as for exercise or amusement; to box.

   Made believe to spar at Paul with great science.
   --Dickens.

3. To contest in words; to wrangle. [Colloq.]

vb. (en-past of: spar)

1. n. any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable

2. a stout rounded pole of wood or metal used to support rigging

3. making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer [syn: sparring]

4. [also: sparring, sparred]

1. v. furnish with spars

2. fight with spurs; "the gamecocks were sparring"

3. box lightly

4. fight verbally; "They were sparring all night"

5. [also: sparring, sparred]

See spar