Dictionary-Definition.com :: SPAT definition

Definition of 'spat'

noun

A quarrel about petty points [syn: bicker, bickering, spat, tiff, squabble, pettifoggery, fuss]

noun

A cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles [syn: spat, gaiter]

noun

A young oyster or other bivalve

verb

Come down like raindrops; "Bullets were spatting down on us"

verb

Become permanently attached; "mollusks or oysters spat"

verb

Strike with a sound like that of falling rain; "Bullets were spatting the leaves"

verb

Clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval [syn: applaud, clap, spat, acclaim] [ant: boo, hiss]

verb

Engage in a brief and petty quarrel

verb

Spawn; "oysters spat"

verb

Clap one's hands together; "The children were clapping to the music" [syn: clap, spat]

From: GCIDE

From: GCIDE

Spat \Spat\, n. [From the root of spit; hence, literally, that which is ejected.] A young oyster or other bivalve mollusk, both before and after it first becomes adherent, or such young, collectively. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

From: GCIDE

Spat \Spat\, n. [Cf. Pat.]
1. A light blow with something flat. [U.S. & Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
2. Hence, a petty combat, esp. a verbal one; a little quarrel, dispute, or dissension. [U. S.] [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

From: GCIDE

Spat \Spat\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spatted; p. pr. & vb. n. Spatting.] To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as the hands. [Local, U.S.] [1913 Webster]
Little Isabel leaped up and down, spatting her hands. --Judd. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Spat \Spat\, n. [Short for Spatterdash.]
1. A legging; a gaiter. [Scot. & Dial. Eng.] [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. A kind of short cloth or leather gaiter worn over the upper part of the shoe and fastened beneath the instep; -- chiefly in pl. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

From: GCIDE

Spit \Spit\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spit (Spat, archaic); p. pr. & vb. n. Spitting.] [AS. spittan; akin to G. sp["u]tzen, Dan. spytte, Sw. spotta,Icel. sp?ta, and prob. E. spew. The past tense spat is due to AS. sp?tte, from sp?tan to spit. Cf. Spat, n., Spew, Spawl, Spot, n.]
1. To eject from the mouth; to throw out, as saliva or other matter, from the mouth. "Thus spit I out my venom." --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
2. To eject; to throw out; to belch. [1913 Webster]
Note: Spitted was sometimes used as the preterit and the past participle. "He . . . shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on." --Luke xviii. 32. [1913 Webster]