SPHECIDÆ In bot. the collective fruit of the yew, blitum, &c. Sphecidæ, Sphegidæ (sfe'si-dē, sfē’ji-dē), n. pl. A family of hymenopterous insects of the section Fossores. Several species are found in England, where they are known as sandwasps. They usually make burrows in the sand for nidification. Sphenacanthus (sfé-na-kan'thus), n. [Gr. sphen, a wedge, and akantha, a spine.] A genus of fossil fishes from the coal-formation of Scotland. Sphene (sfen), n. [Fr. sphène, from Gr. sphen, a wedge.] A mineral composed of silicic acid, titanic acid, and lime. Its colours are dull yellow, green, gray, brown, and black. It is found amorphous and in crystals. The primary form of its crystal is an oblique rhombic prism. Spheniscidæ (sfë-nis'i-dé), n. pl. The penguins, a section of birds of the family Brevipennatæ, order Natatores, in which the wings are completely rudimentary, without quills, and covered with a scaly skin. See PENGUIN. Sphenocephalus (sfē-no-sef'al-us), n. [Gr. sphen, sphenos, a wedge, and kephale, the head.] In anat. a malformation of the head by which the upper part of the cranium has a wedge-like appearance. Sphenodon (sfe'no-don), n. [Gr. sphèn, sphenos, a wedge, and odous, odontos, a tooth.] A peculiar genus of lizards, regarded as forming a family by itself. The only known species (S. punctatum) is a native of New Zealand, and, although once abundant, is now being rapidly thinned. Of late it has become the favourite food of the pig, and is eaten by man. It frequents rocky islets, living in holes in the sand or amongst stones. It is also called Hatteria punctata. Sphenogram (sfë'no-gram), n. [Gr. sphèn, sphēnos, a wedge, and gramma, a letter.] A cuneiform or arrow-headed character. See CUNEIFORM. Sphenographer (sfe-nog'raf-ér), n. versed in sphenography or in deciphering cuneiform inscriptions. Sphenographic (sfë-nō-graf′ik), a. Of or pertaining to sphenography. One Sphenographist (sfe-nog'raf-ist), n. Same as Sphenographer. Sphenography (sfé-nogʻra-fi), n. [Gr. sphèn, sphenos, a wedge, and graphō, to write. 1 The art of writing in wedge-shaped and arrow-headed characters; the art of deciphering cuneiform writings; that branch of philological science which concerns itself with such writings. Sphenoid, Sphenoidal (sfē'noid, sfē-noid'al), a. [Gr. sphen, a wedge, and eidos, form.] Resembling a wedge.-Sphenoid bone, the pterygoid bone of the basis of the skull, so named because it is wedged in amidst the other bones of the head. Sphenoid (sfè'noid), n. 1. In crystal. a wedge-shaped crystal contained under four equal isosceles triangles. -2. In anat. the sphenoid bone. Spheno-maxillary (sfé-nō-mak'sil-la-ri), a. Relating to the sphenoid and maxillary bones. In Spheno-orbitar (sfē-nō-or'bi-tär), a. anat. a term applied to the anterior part of the body of the sphenoid bone, which is developed by a variable number of points of ossification. Spheno-palatinate (sfē'nō-pa-lat”in-āt), a. Relating to the sphenoid and palate bones. Spheno-palatine (sfe-no-pal'a-tin), a. Pertaining to the sphenoid and palate bones.Spheno-palatine ganglion, the largest of the cranial ganglia. Spheno-parietal (sfē'nō-pa-ri"et-al), a. Relating to the sphenoid and parietal bones. Sphenophyllum (sfé-nō-fil'lum), n. [Gr. sphen, sphenos, a wedge, and phyllon, a leaf. A fossil genus of plants from the coal-measures, held by some to have represented the pine in the ancient world. Brongniart, on the other hand, regards the species as herbaceous plants allied to the pepper. Sphenopteris (sfe-nop'tèr-is), n. [Gr. sphen, sphenos, a wedge, and pteris, a kind of fern, from pteron, a wing, a leaf.] A genus of fossil ferns, remarkable for the wedge-shaped divisions of their fronds. They occur profusely in the carboniferous system, less so in the new red sandstone, and scarcely at all in the greensand. Spheno-temporal (sfe-no-tem'pō-ral), a. 156 the spheres or heavenly bodies; inhabiting the spheres. 'The spheral souls that move through the ancient heaven of song-illumined air. Swinburne.-2. Rounded like a sphere; sphere-shaped; hence, symmetrical; perfect. Sphere (spher), n. [L. sphæra, from Gr. sphaira, a ball, a globe.] 1. In geom. a solid body contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point called its centre. It may be conceived to be generated by the revolution of a semicircle about its diameter, which remains fixed, and which is hence called the axis of the sphere. A section of a sphere made by a plane passing through its centre is called a great circle of the sphere; and when the cutting plane does not pass through the centre the section is called a small circle of the sphere. A sphere is two-thirds of its circumscribing cylinder. Spheres are to one another as the cubes of their diameters. The surface of a sphere is equal to four times the area of one of its great circles, and the solidity is found by multiplying the cube of the diameter by 5236 or of 7854; or by multiplying the area of a great circle byof the diameter. 2. An orb or globe, as the sun, the earth, the stars, or planets; one of the heavenly bodies. First the sun, a mighty sphere, he fram'd. Milton. 3. A circular body; a disc. [Rare.] With a broader sphere the moon looks down. Hood. 4. An orbicular body representing the earth or the apparent heavens; a celestial or terrestrial globe.-5. In astron. (a) the concave expanse of the heavens, which appears to the eye as the interior surface of a hollow sphere inclosing the earth, which is placed at its centre. In this sphere all the heavenly bodies appear to be fixed, and at equal distances from the eye. It is also called the Celestial Sphere. The equator, ecliptic, meridians, &c., are circles of the celestial sphere. (b) One of the supposed concentric and eccentric revolving transparent shells in which, according to the old astronomers, the stars, sun, moon, and planets were set, and by which they were carried in such a manner as to produce their apparent motions.-6. In logic, the extension of a general conception, or the totality of the individuals or species to which it may be applied.-7. Circuit or range of action, knowledge, or influence; compass; province; employment. Every man, versed in any particular business, finds fault with these authors, so far as they treat of mat ters within his sphere. Addison. 8. Rank; order of society. Like some poor girl whose heart is set She finds the baseness of her lot. Tennyson. 9. An orbit; a socket. I could a tale unfold whose lightest word -Armillary sphere, an artificial representation of the circles of the sphere, by means of rings. See ARMILLARY.-Oblique sphere, that in which the circles of daily motion are oblique to the horizon, as is the case to a spectator at any point between the equator and either pole.-Parallel sphere, that in which the circles of daily motion are parallel to the horizon. A spectator at either of the poles would view a parallel sphere. Right sphere, that aspect of the heavens in which the circles of daily motion of the heavenly bodies are perpendicular to the horizon. A spectator at the equator views a right sphere.-Harmony or music of the spheres. See under HARMONY.-Projection of the sphere. See PROJECTION. Sphere (sfer), v.t. pret. & pp. sphered; ppr. sphering. 1. To place in a sphere or among the spheres. And therefore is the glorious planet, Sol, Shak. Because I would have reached you, had you been Sphered up with Cassiopeia. Tennyson. 2. To form into roundness; to round; hence, to give perfect or complete form to, Light from her native east To journey through the airy gloom began, Not vassals to be beat, nor pretty babes SPHEROID Sphere-melody (sfēr'mel-ó-di), n. Melody or harmony of the spheres. See under HARMONY. Sphere-music (sfēr’mü-zik), n. The music or harmony of the spheres. See under HARMONY. Sphereotype (sfer′ē-ō-tip), n. [Gr.sphaira, sphere, and typos, a type or figure.] A positive collodion photograph taken on glass by placing a mat before the plate, so as to give a distinct margin to the picture. E. H. Knight. Spheric (sfer'ik), a. Same as Spherical. E B. Browning. Spherical (sfer'ik-al), a. [Fr. sphérique; L sphæricus. See SPHERE.] 1. Having the form of a sphere; globular; orbicular; as, a spherical body. We must know the reason of the spherical figures of the drops. Glance. 2. Pertaining to a sphere; belonging to a sphere. -3. Relating to the orbs of the planets; planetary. We make guilty of our disasters the sun, the moon and the stars, as if we were villains by necessity. fools by heavenly compulsion; knaves, thieves, and Shak. treachers by spherical predominance. -Spherical aberration. See ABERRATION. -Spherical angle, an angle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of two great circles.-Spherical excess, the excess of the sum of the three angles of a spherical triangle above two right angles of 180°, the three angles of every spherical triangle being greater than two right angles -Spherical geometry, that branch of geometry which treats of spherical magnitudes; as, spherical triangles, arcs, and anglesSpherical lune, a projection of the surface of a sphere included between two great semicircles having a common diameter.— Spherical polygon, a portion of the surface of a sphere bounded by the arcs of three or more great circles-Spherical or globular projections, the projections of the circles of a sphere upon a plane.-Spherical triangle, a triangle formed on the surface of a sphere by the mutual intersection of three great circles. Spherical triangles are divided into right-angled, oblique-angled, equilateral, isosceles, &c., as plane triangles are. -Spherical trigonometry, that branch of trigonom etry which teaches to compute the sides and angles of spherical triangles. See TRIGONOMETRY.-Spherical bracketing, in arch. brackets so formed that the surface of the lath-and-plaster work which they support forms a spherical surface. Spherically (sfer'ik-al-li), adv. In the form of a sphere. Wotton. Sphericalness (sfer'ik-al-nes), n. The state or quality of being spherical; sphericity. Sphericity (sfe-ris'i-ti), n. The state or qua lity of being spherical or orbicular; globularity; roundness. Water consists of small, smooth, spherical parti cles; their smoothness makes them slip easily upon one another; the sphericity keeps them from touching one another in more points than one. Cheyne. Sphericle (sfer'i-kl), n. A small sphere. Spherics (sferiks), n. In geom. the doctrine of the properties of the sphere considered as a geometrical body, and in particular of the different circles described on its surface, with the method of projecting the same on a plane; spherical geometry and trigonometry. Spherograph (sfē'rō-graf), n. [Gr. sphaira, a sphere, and graphō, to write, to describe ] A nautical instrument consisting of a stereographic projection of the sphere upon a disc of pasteboard, in which the meridians and parallels of latitude are laid down to single degrees. By the aid of this projection, and a ruler and index, the angular position of a ship at any place, and the distance sailel, may be readily and accurately determined on the principle of great circle sailing. Spheroid (sferoid), n. [Gr. sphaira, a sphere, and eidos, form.] A body or figure approaching to a sphere, but not perfectly spherical. In geom. a solid generated by the revolution of an ellipse about one of its axes. When the generating ellipse revolves about its longer or major axis, the spheroid is oblong or prolate; when about its less or minor axis, the spheroid is oblate. The earth is an oblate spheroid, that is, flattened at the poles, so that its polar diameter is shorter than its equatorial diameter. (See EARTH.) The same figure is assumed by the other planets; hence, the properties of the oblate spheroid are of great importance in geodesy and astronomy. SPHEROIDAL Spheroidal (sfe-roid'al), a. 1. Having the form of a spheroid.-2. In crystal. bounded by several convex faces.-Spheroidal bracketing, in arch. bracketing which has a spheroidal surface. Spheroidal condition, the condition of a liquid when, on being placed on a highly heated surface, as red hot metal, it assumes the form of a more or less flattened spheroid, and evaporates without ebullition. The spheroid in this condition does not touch the surface of the metal, but floats on a layer of its own vapour, and evaporates rapidly from its exposed surface. It is heated mainly by radiation from the hot surface, because conduction is impossible since the layer of intervening vapour conducts heat very feebly. The formation of a layer of non-conducting vapour explains why it is possible to dip the wetted hand into molten iron with impunity. Spheroidic, Spheroidical (sfé-roid'ik, sfēroid'ik-al), a. Same as Spheroidal. Spheroidicity, Spheroidity (sfe-roi-dis'i-ti, sfé-roi'di-ti), n. The state or quality of being spheroidal Spherometer (sfe-rom'et-ér), n. [Gr.sphaira, a sphere, and metron, a measure.] An instrument for measuring the thickness of small bodies when great accuracy is required, as the curvature of optical glasses, &c. Spherosiderite (sfe-ro-sid'èr-it), n. sphaira, a sphere, and sidèros, iron.] A substance found in spheroidal masses in the basaltic compact lava of Steinheim. Called also Glass Lava or Hyalite. [Gr. Spherula (sfer'ü-la), n. [L. sphærula, a little sphere.] A spherule: a term applied to the globose peridium of some plants. Spherulate (sfer'ü-lat), a. Covered or studded with spherules; having one or more rows of minute tubercles. Spherule (sfer'ül), n. (See SPHERULA.] A little sphere or spherical body. Mercury or quicksilver, when poured upon a plane, divides itself into a great number of minute spherules. Spherulite (sfer'ú-lit), n. [Gr. sphaira, a sphere, and lithos, a stone.] 1. A variety of obsidian or pearl-stone, found in rounded grains-2 See RADIOLITE. Sphery (sfer'i), a. 1. Belonging to the spheres. She can teach ye how to climb Higher than the sphery chime. Milton. 2 Resembling a sphere or star in roundness, brightness, or the like. Hermia's sphery eyne.' Shak. Sphex (sfeks), n. [Gr. spher, a wasp.] A genus of insects. Same as Ammophila. Sphincter (sfingk'ter), n. [Gr. sphingkter, from sphingo, to constrain, to draw close. In anat. a name applied generally to a kind of circular muscles, or muscles in rings, which serve to close the external orifices of organs, as the sphincter of the mouth, of the eyes, &c., and more particularly to those among them which, like the sphincter ani, have the peculiarity of being in a state of permanent contraction, independently of the will, and of relaxing only when it is required that the contents of the organs which they close should be evacuated. Sphinx (sfingks), n. pl. Sphinxes (sfingksez) [Gr. sphingx, L. sphinx.] 1. In Greek myth a she-monster, said to have proposed a riddle to the Thebans and to have killed Greek Sphinx, from a sculpture in British Museum. all who were not able to guess it. It was at last solved by Edipus, whereupon the sphinx slew herself. In art this monster is often represented with the winged body of a lion with the breasts and head of a woman-2. In Egyptian antiq. a figure of somewhat similar shape, having the body of a lion (seldom winged), and a human (male or female) or animal head. The human-headed figures have been called androsphinxes; 157 those with the head of a ram criosphinxes, and those with the head of a hawk hieracosphinxes. The Egyptian sphinx was probably a purely symbolical figure, having no Egyptian Sphinx, from the Louvre Museum. historical connection with the Greek fable, and the Greeks may have applied the term sphinx to the Egyptian statues merely on account of an accidental external resemblance between them and their own figures of the sphinx.-3. A person who proposes riddles, puts puzzling or obscure questions, or who talks enigmatically.-4. A genus of lepidopterous insects, section Crepuscularia; the hawk-moths. They receive their generic name from the attitude of several of the caterpillars, which resembles that of the fabled monster so called. See SPHINGIDE. 5. The Cynocephalus passio, or Guinea baboon. Sphingidæ (sfin'ji-dē), n. pl. A family of lepidopterous insects, section Crepuscularia. The insects belonging to this division generally fly in the evening or early in the morning, but there are many which fly in the daytime. This family embraces some of the largest European Lepidoptera, as the death's-head hawk-moth, the Sphinx atropos, Linn., the privet hawk-moth (Sphinx ligus tri). Sphragide (sfra'jid), n. [Fr. sphragide, from L. sphragis, sphragidis, a kind of stone used for seals; Lemnian earth; from Gr. sphragis, sphragidos, a seal. The earth is said to have been so called because sold in sealed packets.] A species of ochreous clay, which falls to pieces in water with the emission of many bubbles. Called also Earth of Lemnos. Sphragistics (sfra-jis'tiks), n. [Gr. sphragistikos, of or for sealing, from sphragis, a seal.] The science of seals, their history, peculiarities, and distinctions. The chief object of this science is to ascertain the age and genuineness of the documents to which seals are affixed. Sphrigosis (sfrig'o-sis), n. [Gr.sphrigao, to be full of health and strength.] Over-rankness, a disease in fruit-trees and other plants, as turnips, in which the plant tends to grow to wood or stem and leaves in place of fruit or bulb, &c., or to grow so luxuriantly that the nutritious qualities of the plant are injured, as in the potato. Sphrigosis is sometimes due to over-manuring. Sphygmic (sfig'mik), a. [Gr. sphygmos, the pulse.] Of or pertaining to the pulse. Sphygmograph (sfig'mo-graf), n. [Gr. sphygmos, a pulse, and grapho, to write.] An instrument which, when applied over an artery, indicates the character of the pulse as to the force and extent of undulations, registering them on a strip of paper moved by watch-work. It reveals in a very delicate and beautiful manner, by the tracing of a pencil on the paper, the force of the heart beats, and in making experiments with different kinds of medicines it shows their effect on the nervous system. Sphygmographic (sfig-mo-graf'ik), a. Of or pertaining to the sphygmograph; registered or traced by the sphygmograph. 'Sphygmographic tracing of the cardiac movement of (the) arterial pulse.' Dr. Carpenter. Sphygmometer (sfig-mom'et-ér), n. [Gr. sphygmos, a pulse, and metron, measure. ] An instrument for counting the arterial pulsations; a sphygmograph. Sphyrænidæ (sfi-re'ni-de), n. pl. [Gr. sphyraina, the hammer-fish.] A family of acanthopterygious (teleostean) fishes, nearly allied to the perches. The species are elongated, active, predaceous fishes, SPICOSE having the jaws armed with formidable teeth. They live principally in tropical seas, although one or two species are found in the Mediterranean. The barracuda of the West Indies (Sphyraena picuda) is a large and powerful fish, as much dreaded as the white shark. Spialt (spi'al), n. A spy; a scout. The prince's spials have informed me.' Shak. Spica (spi'ka), n. [L., an ear of corn.] In surg. a bandage so named from its turns being thought to resemble the rows of an ear of corn.-Spica descendens, the uniting bandage used in rectilinear wounds. It consists of a double-headed roller with a longitudinal slit in the middle, 3 or 4 inches long. Spicate, Spicated (spi'kat, spi'kat-ed), a. [L. spicatus, pp. of spico, to furnish with spikes, from spica, a spike.] In bot. having a spike or ear; eared like corn. Spiccato (spik-kä'to). [It, divided.] In music, a term which indicates that every note is to have a distinct and detached sound, and in regard to instruments played with a bow it denotes that every note is to have a distinct bow. Spice (spis), n. [O. Fr. espice, Mod. Fr. épice, Sp. especia, It. spezie, from L. species, appearance, species, kind, sort, in late Latin, goods, wares, assorted goods, especially spices, drugs, &c., of the same sort. See SPECIES.] 1. A vegetable production, fragrant or aromatic to the smell and pungent to the taste, such as pepper, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, used in sauces and in cookery.-2. A small quantity, giving a seasoning to a greater; something that enriches or alters the quality of a thing in a small degree, as spice alters the taste of a thing; a small admixture; a flavouring; a smack; as, there's a spice of conceit about him. Cowper. Variety's the very spice of life That gives it all its flavour. Spicet (spis), n. [Fr. espèce, a kind or species; L. species, a species. It is thus really the same word as above.] A sample; a species. Justice, although it be but one entire virtue, yet is described in two kinds of spices. Sir T. Elyot. Spice (spis), v. t. pret. & pp. spiced; Ppr. spicing. 1. To season with spice; to mix aromatic substances with; to season, literally or figuratively; as, to spice wine; to spice one's conversation with scandal.-2. To impregnate with a spicy odour. In the spiced Indian air.' Shak.-3. To render nice; to season with scruples. Take it, 'tis yours; Be not so spiced; it is good gold. Beau. & Fl. A kind of apple. Spice-apple (spis'ap-1), n. Spice-bush (spis'bush), n. Same as Spice wood. Spice-nut (spis'nut), n. A gingerbread nut. Spicer (spis'èr), n. 1. One that seasons with spice.-2. One who deals in spice. Spicery (spis'èr-i), n. [O. Fr. espicerie, Mod. Fr. épicerie. See SPICE.] 1. Spices in general; fragrant and aromatic vegetable substances used in seasoning. Their camels were loaden with spicery and balin and myrrh. Raleigh. 2. A repository of spices. The spicery, the cellar, and its furniture.' Addison. Spice-wood (spis'wud), n. Lindera benzoin (Laurus benzoin, Linn.), an American shrub, the wild-allspice or benjamin-tree. Spiciferous (spi-sif'ér-us), a. [L. spicifer, bearing spikes or ears, from spica, an ear, and fero, to bear.] Bearing ears, as corn; producing spikes; spicated; eared. Spiciform (spi'si-form), a. In bot. spikeshaped. Spicily (spis'i-li), adv. In a spicy manner; pungently; with flavour. Spiciness (spis'i-nes), n. Quality of being spicy. Spickt (spik), n. A spike; a tenter. Spick-and-Span (spik'and-span), a. or adv. [Spick, a spike, and span, a chip, a splinter. (See SPAN-NEW.) Spick-and-span new means therefore nail and chip new, newly shaped and put together. Comp. D. spikspeldernieuw, speldernieuw (speld, spelde, a pin), spiksplinternieuw.] In full used adverbially with new = quite new; bran-new; also used adjectively; as, a spick-and-span suit of clothes. SPICOSITY Spicosity (spi-kos'i-ti), n. The state of being spicose, or of having or being full of ears, like corn. Spicous (spik'us), a. Same as Spicose. Spicula (spik'ü-la), n. pl. Spiculæ (spik'üle). [L.] In bot. (a) a small spike or spikelet. (b) A pointed, fleshy, superficial appendage. Spicular (spik'ü-lêr),a. [L. spiculum, a dart.] Resembling a dart; having sharp points. Spiculate (spik'ü-lát), v.t. [L. spiculo, spicu latum, to sharpen, from spiculum, dim. of spicum, for spica, a point.] To sharpen to a point. Spiculated paling.' W. Mason. Spiculate (spik'ü-lat), a. [L. spiculatus, pp. of spiculo, to sharpen to a point, from spicu lum, a point.] Covered with or divided into fine points; specifically, in bot. (a) covered with pointed fleshy appendages, as a surface. (b) Applied to a spike composed of several smaller spikes crowded together. Spicule (spik'ül), n. [L. spicula.] 1. In bot. a spikelet.-2. In zool. one of the minute limy or flinty particles found in sponges, and also in the tissues of some cœlenterate animals. Spiculiform (spik'ül-i-form), a. Having the form of a spicule. Spiculigenous (spik-u-lij'en-us), a. [L. spiculum, a dart, and gigno, genui, to produce.] Containing or producing spicules. Spicy (spis'i), a. [From spice.] 1. Producing spice; abounding with spices. As... off at sea north-east winds blow Milton. 2. Having the qualities of spice; flavoured with spice; fragrant; aromatic; as, spicy plants. The spicy nut-brown ale.' Milton. Spicy gales.' Pope.-3. Having a sharp flavour; pungent; pointed; keen; as, a spicy debate.-4. Showy; handsome; smart; as, a spicy garment. [Colloq.] Spider (spi'der), n. [For spinder for spinner, one that spins, formerly a spider; so G. spinne, a spider, from spinnen, to spin. As to the omission of n, comp. other, tooth, &c.] 1. The common name of animals of the Lin næan genus Aranea, now divided not only into many genera, but into many families, constituting a section (Araneida) of the class Arachnida, order Pulmonaria. The head and chest are united to form a segment known as a cephalothorax; no wings are developed, and breathing is effected by means of pulmonary or lung sacs. Spiders are remarkable for spinning webs for taking their prey and forming a convenient habitation. The abdomen of the spiders is unjointed, and is furnished with from four to six cylindrical or conical mammillæ or processes, with fleshy extremities, which are perforated with numberless small orifices for the passage of silky filaments of extreme tenuity, with which they form their webs, and which proceed from internal reservoirs. The legs number four pairs, and no antennæ are developed. Their mandibles are terminated by a movable hook, flexed inferiorly, underneath which, and near its extremity, which is always pointed, is a little opening that allows a passage to a venomous fluid contained in a gland of the preceding joint. After wounding their prey with their hooked mandibles, they inject this poison into the wound, which suddenly destroys the victim. A very great diversity exists in the modes in which spiders construct their webs, and in the situations in which they are placed. Some spiders do not catch their prey by entangling them in their webs, but roam abroad in search of them. My brain more busy than the labouring spider 2. Something resembling or supposed to resemble a spider, as a kind of gridiron, or a trivet to support vessels over a fire. 3. In mach. (a) a skeleton of radiating spokes, as a rag-wheel (which see). (b) The internal frame or skeleton of a gear-wheel, for instance, on which a cogged rim may be bolted, shrunk, or cast. (c) The solid interior portion of a piston to which the packing is attached, and to whose axis the pistonrod is secured. E. H. Knight.-4. Naut. (a) an iron outrigger to keep a block clear of the ship's side. (b) An iron hoop round the mast for the attachment of the futtockshrouds; also, a hoop round a mast provided with belaying pins. 158 One Spider-catcher (spi'der-kach-ér), n. who or that which catches spiders; specifically, a bird, the wall-creeper (Tichodroma muraria), found in southern Europe. Also, a genus of birds (Arachnothera) inhabiting the Indian Archipelago, whose favourite food is spiders. Spider-crab (spi'der-krab), n. Same as Sea-spider. Spider-fly (spi'dér-fli), n. A dipterous insect of the family Pupipara. There are many species of these found parasitic on birds and quadrupeds. They belong to the genera Hippobosca and Nycterobia. Spiderlike (spi'der-lik), a. Resembling a spider. Shak. Spider-line (spi'der-lin), n. One of the threads of a spider's web ingeniously substituted for wires in micrometer scales, intended for delicate astronomical observations. New World monkeys, but more especially to members of the genus Ateles, which are distinguished by the great relative length, slenderness, and flexibility of their limbs, and by the prehensile power of their tails. Spider-orchis (spi'dér-or-kis), n. The common name of two British species of Ophrys, 0. arachnites (late spider-orchis), and 0. Spider-shell (spi'dèr-shel), n. A species of aranifera (early spider-orchis). See OPHRYS. the genus Murex. Spiderwort (spi'der-wert), n. The common name of plants of the genus Tradescantia, one species of which, T. virginica, is culti vated in gardens. Spiegeleisen (spe'gel-i-sen), n. [G.-spiegel, a mirror, and eisen, iron: named from its fracture showing large smooth shining surfaces.] A peculiar kind of cast-iron made from specular iron ore, or hæmatite, containing a large percentage of carbon and manganese. Being remarkably free from impurities, as phosphorus, sulphur, silica, &c., it is largely used in the Bessemer process of steel-making for the purpose of reintroducing carbon. Spiegelerz (spe'gel-érz), n. [G. spiegel, a mirror, and erz, ore.] Specular ironstone; a variety of hæmatite. Spier (sper), v.t. and i. To ask; to inquire. Sir W. Scott. [Scotch.] See SPEIR Spiffy (spif'i), a. Spruce; well-dressed. [Slang.] Spigelia (spi-jē'li-a), n. [In honour of Adrian van der Spiegel, latterly professor of medicine at Padua, and a botanical author, who died 1625.] Worm-seed or worm-grass, a genus of plants, nat. order Loganiacea. It consists of annual and perennial herbs, with opposite or whorled ovate or lance-shaped leaves, and carmine, blue, or purple flowers. They are natives of North and South America. The root of S. marylandica is used in America as a vermifuge; and if administered in large doses it acts powerfully as a cathartic. S. Anthelmia possesses powerful narcotic properties, and is used in the same manner as the last. Spigelian (spi-jeli-an), a. [See SPIGELIA.] In anat. applied to one of the lobes or divisions of the mammalian liver (Lobulus Spigelii) Spightt (spit), n. Spite; grudge; reluctance. Spenser. Spight + (spit), v.t. To spite. Spenser. Spightt (spit), n. [See SPECHT.] A woodpecker. Holland. Spignel (spig'nel), n. [A contr. of spikenail.] The common name of plants of the genus Athamanta. Spignet (spig'net), n. [Corrupted from spikenard.] A plant of the genus Aralia (A. racemosa). Asa Gray. See SPIKENARD. Spigot (spigot), n. [O.E. spigotte, speget, SPIKENARD spykette, dim. forms from spick-spike. See SPIKE.] A pin or peg used to stop a faucet, or to stop a small hole in a cask of liquor; a spile. mouth. Take out the spigot and clap the point in your Swift. Spigurnel (spi-gur'nel), n. In law, a name formerly given to the sealer of the writs in Chancery. As to Spike (spik), n. [Same word as pike with initial s; Icel. spik, Sw. spik, a spike. Cog. L. spica, a sharp point, an ear of corn; W. yspig, a spike. (See PICK, PIKE.) Meanings 5 and 6 are drectly from the Latin. kindred forms with and without initial s, see SNEEZE.] 1. A large nail or pin, generally of iron, but sometimes of wood.-2. A piece of pointed iron like a long nail, inserted with the point outwards, as on the top of walls, gates, &c., to prevent people from passing over them.-3. A nail or instrument with which the vents of cannon are filled up.-4. Something of similar shape to the above articles. He wears on his head the corona radiata, another type of his divinity: the spikes that shoot out represent the rays of the sun. Addison. 5. An ear of corn or grain.-6. In bot. a species of inflorescence in which the flowers a, Spike of Plantago major. b, Section of it to show the sessile flowers. c, Spike of Lolium perenne. d, Spikelet of do. are sessile along a common axis, as in the Spike (spik), n. Plantago, or common plantain. A species of lavender, LaSpike (spik), v.t. pret. & pp. spiked; ppr. vandula Spica; spike-lavender. spiking. 1. To fasten with spikes or long and large nails; as, to spike down the planks of a floor or bridge.-2. To set with spikes; to furnish with spikes.-3. To fix upon a spike.-4. To make sharp at the end. Johnson.-5. To stop the vent of with a spike.To spike a gun or cannon, to fill up the touch-hole by driving a nail or spike forcibly into it, in order to render it unserviceable. Spike-lavender (spik'la-ven-dér), n. A kind of lavender, Lavandula Spica, from which spike-oil is obtained. Spikelet (spik'let), n. In bot. a small spike making a part of a large one; ora subdivision of a spike; as, the spikelets of See grasses. Spike nail (spik'nál), n. A nail of 3 inches in length and upwards. SPIKE. Spikenard (spik'närd), n. [Fr. spicanard. See SPIKE, NARD.] 1. A highly aromatic herbaceous plant growing in the East Indies, the Nardostachys Jatamansi, nat.order Valerianacere. The root has a strong smell and a sharp bitterish taste. This is the true spikenard of the ancients, and it has enjoyed celebrity from the earliest period, on account of the valuable extract or perfume obtained from its roots, which was used at the ancient baths and at feasts. It is called jatamansi or balchur by the Hindus, and sumbul or sunbul by the Spikenard (Nardostachys Fatamansi). SPIKE-OIL Arabians. Differences of opinion exist respecting the nature of the fragrance of the jatamansi. It is, however, highly esteemed in the East as a perfume, and is used to scent oils and unguents. The name spikenard is applied to various other plants, as to Valeriana celtica, Andropogon Nardus, Lavandula Spica. In the United States it is applied to Aralia racemosa.-2. A name given to various fragrant essential oils. Ploughman's spikenard. See under PLOUGH MAN. Spike-oil (spik'oil), n. A volatile oil obtained by distilling Lavandula Spica with water. It has a less agreeable odour than true lavender-oil, and is specifically heavier. It is obtained from the leaves and stalks, true lavender-oil from the flowers, of several species of Lavandula. Spike-plank (spik'plangk), n. [Comp. spiketub] Naut. in Polar voyages, a platform projecting across the vessel before the mizzen-miast, to enable the ice-master to cross over and see ahead, and so pilot her clear of the ice. Admiral Smyth. Spike-rush (spik'rush), n. The common name of several British plants of the genus Eleocharis. See ELEOCHARIS. Spike-team (spik ́tēm), n. A wagon drawn by three horses, or by two oxen and a horse. Bartlett. [United States.] Spike-tub (spik'tub), n. [A. Sax. spic, fat; Icel spik, blubber; G. speck, fat, bacon.] A vessel in which the fat of bears, seals, and minor quarry is set aside till a 'making off' gives an opportunity for adding it to the blubber in the hold. Admiral Smyth. Spiky (spik'i), a. 1. In the shape of a spike; having a sharp point or points.-2. Set with spikes. The spiky wheels through heaps of carnage tore. Pote. Spilanthes (spi-lan'thēz), n. [Gr. spilos, a spot, and anthos, a flower-in allusion to the original species having yellow flowers and a brown disc.] A genus of plants, nat. order Composite. They are tropical, smooth, annual, branching weeds, with opposite lance-shaped or ovate leaves, and stalked, terminal, solitary, yellow flower-heads. The involucre and receptacle of S. oleracea are said to act as a powerful stimulant of the salivary organs. Spile (spil), n. [D. spijl, L.G. spile, a bar, a stake; G. speil, a skewer. See SPILL, n.] 1 A small peg or wooden pin used to stop a spile-hole in a cask or barrel.-2. A stake driven into the ground to protect a bank, form wharfs, abutments, &c.; a pile. Spile (spil), v.t. pret. & pp. spiled; ppr. spil. ing. (See above.] To supply with a faucet and spigot, as a cask of liquor. You must not suppose, your highness, that I ne glected to avail myself (unknown to the Aga) of the peculiar properties of the wine which those casks contained. I had them spiled underneath, and, constantly running off the wine from them, filled them up afresh. Marryat. Spile-hole (spilhōl), n. A small aperture made in a cask, usually near the bung-hole, to afford access to the air, in order to permit the contained liquor to flow freely. Spilikin (spil'i-kin), n. [Dim. of spill, spile, a splinter.] 1 A peg of wood, bone, ivory, &c., for making the score at cribbage and other games-2. pl. A game played with such instruments; pushpin. Spill (spil), ". [In some of the senses probably the same as spile, a peg; D. spil, a pin, a pivot, a spindle; G. spille, a spindle, a peg; in others rather allied to spall, spell, pale, a chip, spalt, to chip or break.] 1. A small peg or pin for stopping a cask; a spigot; a spile; as, a vent-hole stopped with a spill.-2 ↑ A piece broken off; a splinter. What to reserve their relicks many yeares, 3+ A little bar or pin of iron. Rich. Carew. 4. A little sum of money. Ayliffe.-5. A strip of paper rolled up, or a small slip of wood, used to light a lamp, a cigar, &c. Spill (spil), v.t. pret. & pp. spilled or spilt; ppt spilling. [A. Sax. spillan, to spill, to ruin, to waste, to destroy; L. G. and D. spillen, to waste, to spend; Icel. spilla, to spoil, to destroy; Dan. spilde, to spill, to lose, to waste. Perhaps from same root as spall, epale, and split.] 1 To suffer to fall or run out of a vessel; to lose or suffer to be scattered: applied only to fluids and to substances whose particles are small and loose; as, to spill water from a pail; to spill spirit or oil from a bottle; to spill quicksilver or powders from a vessel or a paper; to spill 159 sand or flour. Spill differs from pour in expressing accidental loss; a loss or waste not designed, or contrary to purpose.-2. To suffer or to cause to flow out or lose; to shed: used especially with regard to blood, as in cases of murder or wilful slaughter; as, a man spills another's blood. To revenge his blood so justly spilt.' Dryden. They have taken the child To spill his blood and heal the land. Tennyson. 3. To injure; to destroy; to ruin. 'To spill and spoil thy house with fire.' Turberville. So full of artless jealousy is guilt, Shak. 4. Naut. to discharge the wind from, as from the belly of a sail, in order to furl or reef it. 5. To throw, as from a horse or carriage. [Colloq. or slang.]-6.† [In this sense from noun spill, a piece.] To piece or diversify with spills or small pieces; to inlay. Pavement with ivory spilt.' Spenser. Spill (spil), v. i. 1. To waste; to be prodigal. Sir P. Sidney.-2. To be shed; to be suffered to fall, be lost, or wasted. He was so topfull of himself, that he let it spill on all the company. Watts. Spiller (spil'èr), n. 1. One that spills or sheds.-2. A kind of fishing-line. See BOL TER. Spillet-fishing, Spilliard-fishing (spil'etfish-ing, spil'yärd-fish-ing), n. A name given to the method of fishing in the west of Ireland, in which a number of hooks are set on snoods, all on one line. Called also Bultow, Bultow-fishing. Same as Spiliken. Spilliken (spil'i-ken), n. Naut. a line Spilling-line (spil'ing-lin), n. fixed occasionally to the main and fore sails of a ship in tempestuous weather, to spill them, in order that they may be reefed or furled more conveniently. Spilt (spilt), pret. & pp. of spill. Spilth (spilth), n. [From spill; comp. tilth from till, stealth from steal.] Spilling; that which is spilt; that which is poured out with lavish profusion. With drunken spilth of wine.' Shak. But when one comes to transcribe such passages the pen drives heavily amid the radiant riot of flowersoft speech, and the supreme spilth of starry syl lables. Ed. Douden Spilus (spilus), n. [Gr. spilos, a spot.] In Spin (spin), v.t. pret. spun (span is now obpathol. same as Novus (which see). solete or provincial); pp.spun; ppr.spinning. [A. Sax. spinnan, pret. span, pp. spunnen; common to the Teutonic tongues: D. and G. spinnen, O. H. G. and Goth. spinnan, Dan. spinde, Icel. and Sw. spinna-to spin. Supposed to be of same root as span and Gr. spao, to draw. Hence spindle, spinster, spider] 1 To draw out and twist into threads, either by the hand or machinery; as, to spin wool, cotton, or flax; to spin goats' hair. 'Beholding how the thrids of life they span.' Spenser. All the yarn she (Penelope) spun in Ulysses' absence, did but fill Ithaca with moths. Shak 2. To make or work on as if by spinning; to draw out tediously; to extend to a great length. I passed lightly over many particulars on which learned and witty men might spin out large volumes. Sir R. L'Estrange. The lines are weak, another's pleased to say: Lord Fanny spins a thousand such a day. Pope. 3. To protract; to spend by delays; as, to spin out the day in idleness. By one delay after another they spin out their whole lives. Sir R. L'Estrange. 4. To whirl rapidly; to cause to turn with great speed; as, to spin a top; to spin a coin on a table.-5. To form, as a filament or thread, by the extrusion of a viscid fluid, which hardens on coming into contact with the air: said of spiders, silk-worms, and the like; as, a spider spins a web.-To spin hay (milit.), to twist it into ropes for convenient carriage on an expedition.-To spin a yarn, to tell a long story: originally a seaman's phrase. [Colloq.] Spin (spin), v. 1. To perform the act of making threads; to work at drawing and twisting threads; as, the woman knows how to spin; a machine or mule spins with great exactness. They neither know to spin nor care to toil. Prior. He spins and weaves, and weaves and spins. Cowper. 2. To revolve; to move round rapidly; to whirl, as a top or a spindle. Let the great world spin for ever down the ringing grooves of change. Tennyson. SPINDLE 3. To stream or issue in a thread or small current; as, blood spins from a vein. Make incision in their hides, That their hot blood may spin in English eyes. Shak. 4. To run or drive with great rapidity; to go quickly; as, to spin along the road. [Colloq.] While the money lasts make it spin. W. Collins. Spin (spin), n. The act of spinning; a rapid unintermitted action; a single effort, as in a race; as, a rapid spin along the road. [Colloq.] Tectotums we've for patriots got, Who court the mob with antics humble; A glorious spin, and then-a tumble. Moore. Spina (spi'na), n. pl. Spinæ (spi'ně). [L] A thorn; a prickle; the backbone or spine. Spinaceous (spi-na'shus), a. Relating to spinach, or the class of plants to which it belongs. Spinach, Spinage_(spin'āj), n. [O.Fr. espinoche, espinace, It. spinace, Sp. espinaca, D. spinazie, from L. spina, a spine-being named from the prickles on its fruit.] Spinacia, a genus of plants, nat, order Chenopodiaceæ. There is only one species, S. oleracea (common spinach), well known on account of its use in the kitchen. It is eaten sometimes in salads, but more frequently cooked in various ways. It is wholesome and agreeable, but contains little nutriment. There are two principal varieties cultivated in gardens the prickly-fruited and the smooth-fruited.—New Zealand spinach, Tetragonia expansa, used instead of common spinach. Spinacia (spi-na'si-a), n. A genus of plants. See SPINACH. Spinacidæ (spi-nas'i-dē), n. pl. Picked dogfishes, a family of small sharks, distinguished by having the dorsal fins furnished with a strong spine, which they are said to employ as a weapon, bending themselves into the form of a bow, and then striking with great force. Spinal (spi'nal), a. [L. spinalis. See SPINE.] Pertaining to the spine or backbone of an animal; as, the spinal cord; spinal muscles; spinal arteries. - ·Spinal column, the connected vertebræ of the back; a bony column situate at the posterior and central part of the trunk, extending from the head to the sacrum; the spine; the backbone. See SPINE. -Spinal cord or spinal marrow, the elongated mass of nervous matter contained in the osseous canal of the spine. It gives rise to thirty-one pairs of nerves, being the origin of most of the nerves of the trunk of the body. Spindle (spin'dl), n. [A. Sax. spindel, spindl, spinl, lit. the instrument for spinning, from spinnan, to spin; so also G. Sw. and Dan. spindel. (See SPIN.) The d has intruded into the word the same way as in gender, thunder.] 1. In spinning, (a) a pendent piece of wood for twisting and winding the fibres drawn from the distaff, (b) The pin used in spinning-wheels for twisting the thread, and on which the thread, when twisted, is wound. (c) One of the skewers or axes of a spinning-machine upon which a bobbin is placed to wind the yarn as it is spun.-2. Any slender pointed rod or pin which turns round, or on which anything turns; as, the spindle of a vane; the spindle of the fusee of a watch; a small axle or axis, in contradistinction to a shaft or large axle, as the arbor or mandrel in a lathe. Live spindle, the revolving arbor of a machine tool.-Dead spindle, the arbor of a machine tool which does not revolve. 3. A vertical shaft supporting the upper stone or runner of a pair in a flour mill. - 4. In vehicles, the tapering end or arm on the end of an axle-tree.5. In weaving, the skewer in a shuttle on which a bobbin or cop of yarn is fixed.-6. The stem of a door knob, which actuates the latch.-7. In ship-building, (a) the upper main piece of a made mast. (b) An iron axle fitted into a block of wood, which is fixed securely between two of the ship's beams, and whereon the capstan turns.8. In founding, the pin on which the pattern of a mould is formed.-9. In building, the same as Newel.-10. A long slender stalk. Mortimer.-11. In geom. a solid generated by the revolution of the arc of a curve-line about its chord, in opposition to a conoid, which is a solid generated by the revolution of a curve about its axis. The spindle is denominated circular, elliptic, hyperbolic, or parabolic, according to the figure of its SPINDLE generating curve. -12. A name given to the shells of certain molluscs, from their resemblance to a spindle, as in species of the genera Fusus and Rostellaria. Called also Spindle-shell. 13. A measure of yarn: in cotton a spindle of 18 hanks is 15,120 yards; in linen a spindle of 24 heers is 14,400 yards. Spindle (spin'dl), v. i. pret. & pp. spindled; ppr. spindling. To shoot or grow in a long, slender stalk or body. When the flowers begin to spindle.' Mortimer. Spindle-legged (spin'dl-legd), a. Having long, slender legs. Many great families are insensibly fallen off from the athletic constitution of their progenitors, and are dwindled away into a pale, sickly, spindle-legged generation of valetudinarians. Tatler. Spindle-legs, Spindle-shanks (spin'dl. legz, spin'dl-shangks), n. A tall, slender person: used humorously or in contempt. Spindle-shanked (spin'dl-shangkt), a. Having long, slender legs. Her lawyer is a little, shrivelled, spindle-shanked gentleman. Addison. Spindle-shaped (spin'dl-shapt), a. Having Spindle-side (spin'dl-sid), n. The female side in descent. King Lycaon, grandson by the spindle-side of Oceanus." J. R. Lowell. Spindle-tree (spin'dl-trē), n. A shrub of the genus Euonymus, E. europæus. The wood is hard and fine-grained, and is used for the finer articles of turnery and for spindles. See EUONYMUS. Spindle-worm (spin'dl-wêrm), n. caterpillar of a lepidopterous insect (Gortyna Zea) which injures maize plants. [American.] The Spindling (spin'dl-ing), n. Same as Spindletree. Spindrift (spin'drift), n. [A form of spoondrift (which see).] Naut. the blinding haze of salt water which is blown from the surface of the sea in hurricanes. Spine (spin), n. [L. spina, a thorn, from a root seen also in spike, pike. From the Latin word come also (through the French) spinach, spinel, spinet, spinney] 1. The backbone of a vertebrated animal, so called from the thorn-like processes of the vertebræ. In reference to man it is the articulated bony column, consisting of thirtythree vertebrae, and reaching from the head down the back, including the os sacrum and coccyx, being the series or assemblage of vertebræ which sustains the rest of the body, contains the spinal marrow, and to which the ribs are connected. See VERTEBRA.-2. A thorn; a sharp process from the woody part of a plant. It differs from a prickle, which proceeds from the bark. A spine sometimes terminates a branch, and sometimes is axillary, growing at the angle formed by the branch or leaf with the stem. The wild apple and pear are armed with spines; the rose, bramble, gooseberry, &c., are armed with prickles. Some leaves which do not freely develop in the usual manner assume a dry, hardened appearance, and pass into spines. Henslow. 3. In anat. a sharp process of a bone. Dunglison.-4. In zool. properly a stout, rigid, and pointed process of the integument of an animal, formed externally by the epidermis and internally of a portion of the cutis or corresponding structure. The term is frequently applied to a stout, rigid, and pointed process of the epidermis only.-5. A ridge of mountains, especially a central ridge. Spinel (spi-nel'), n. [Fr. spinelle, It. spinella. Probably applied originally to a mineral with spine-shaped crystals, from L. spina, a spine.] A sub-species of corundum, which occurs in regular crystals and sometimes in rounded grains. Its colours are red, black, blue, green, brown, and yellow. It consists chiefly of alumina, with smaller proportions of magnesia, silica, and protoxide of iron. Clear and finely-coloured red varieties are highly prized as ornamental stones in jewelry. The red varieties are known as spinel ruby or balas ruby, while those of a darker colour are called Ceylonite or Pleonast. It is found in the beds of rivers in Ceylon and Siam, and embedded in carbonate of lime in North America and Sweden. Written also Spinelle. Spinellane (spī-nel'ān), n. A blue variety of nosean occurring in small crystalline masses and in minute crystals, found near Andernach, on the Rhine. 160 Spinelle (spi-nel'), n. Same as Spinel. Spinescent (spi-nes'ent), a. [L. spinescens, spinescentis, ppr. of spinesco, to grow thorny. from spina, a thorn.] In bot. becoming hard and thorny, terminating in a spine, or somewhat spinose. See Spinet (spin'et), n. [O.Fr. espinette, Fr. épinette, It. spinetta, from L. spina, a thorn, because its quills resemble thorns. SPINE.] A stringed musical instrument, which differed from the virginal only in being of a triangular form. See VIRGINAL. -Dumb spinet. Same as Manichord. Spinett (spin'et), n. [L. spinetum, from spina, a thorn. ] A small wood or place where briers and thorns grow; a spinney. 'A satyr, lodged in a little spinet.' B. Jon son. Spineted + (spin'et-ed), a. [See SPINET, the instrument.] Cleft; opened; split. 'A goose quill spineted.' Ascham. Spiniferite (spi-nif'èr-it), n. [L. spina, a spine, and fero, to bear.] A name given to certain minute organisms beset with spines occurring in the chalk flints. Their real nature is unascertained, but they have been supposed to be the gemmules of sponges. Spiniferous (spi-nif'èr-us), a. [L. spina, spine, and fero, to bear.] Producing spines; bearing thorns; thorny. Spiniform (spin'i-form), a. [L. spina, a spine, and forma, form. Having the form of a spine or thorn. Spinigerous (spi-nij'èr-us), a. [L. spina, spine, and gero, to bear.] Bearing a spine or spines. Spininess (spīn'i-nes), n. The quality of being spiny. Spink (spingk), n. [Sw. spink; allied to finch.] A finch, especially the chaffinch. [Provincial.] The spink chants sweetest in a hedge of thorns. Spinnaker (spin'ak-ér), n. [From spin, in sense of to go rapidly.] A jib-headed racing sail carried by yachts, set when running before the wind on the opposite side to the main-sail. Spinner (spin'ér), n. 1. One who or that which spins; one skilled in spinning. 2. A spider; specifically, the garden spider with long jointed legs. Her waggon-spokes made of long spinners' legs.' Shak.-3. A spinneret. Spinneret (spin'èr-et), n. One of the nipple-like organs with which spiders and some insects, as the silk-worm, form their webs or silk. Spinnerule (spin'èr-ül), n. One of the numerous minute tubes with which each spinneret of the spider is studded, every one of which emits a thread of inconceivable fineness. Spinnery (spin'èr-i), n. A spinning-mill. Spinney, Spinny (spin'i), n. [O. Fr. espinaye, a thorny plot, a place full of briers, from espine, a brier or bramble, from L. spina, a thorn, the spine.] A small wood with undergrowth; a clump of trees; a small grove or shrubbery. Black fir spinnies.' Kingsley. A land covered with timber, with here and there a nice little gorse or spinney.' T. Hughes. Spinning-jenny (spin'ing-jen-ni), n. The name given to the first spinning-machine by means of which a number of threads could be spun at once. It was invented about 1767 by James Hargreaves, a Lancashire weaver, and consisted of a number of spindles turned by a common wheel or cylinder worked by hand. Spinning-mill (spin'ing-mil), n. A mill or factory where spinning is carried on. Spinning-wheel (spin'ing-whel), n. A machine for spinning wool, cotton, or flax into threads by the hand. It consists of a wheel, band, and spindle, and is driven by foot or by hand. Before the introduction of machinery for spinning there were two kinds of spinning-wheels in common use, the large wheel for spinning wool and cotton, and the small or Saxon wheel for spinning flax. Spinny (spin'i), n. See SPINNEY. Spinose (spin'ös), a. Spinous. Spinosity (spi-nos'i-ti), n. 1. The state of being spinous or spinose.-2. Fig. thorny; also something thorny or crabbed. Dr. H. More. Spinoso-dentate (spi-nō'sō-den"tāt), a. In bot. having teeth tipped with spines. Spinous (spin'us), a. [L. spinosus, from spina, a spine or thorn.] 1. Full of spines; armed with thorns; thorny, as a plant. Spinous leaf, a leaf having its margin beset SPIREA with spines, as in thistles.-2. In anat. applied to certain processes of bones. Spinozism (spi'nō-zizm), n. The system of philosophy of Baruch Spinoza, who was born in Amsterdam in 1632 of a Jewish Portuguese family, and died at the Hague in 1677. This system is based on the idea of an original substance embracing all existence, substance in this sense meaning something very different from what we usually understand by the word. This original substance, in which all antagonism between mind and matter, liberty and necessity, &c., ceases, all subjects of finite consciousness disappear, he called God; by which he understood that which has an independent existence, and the understanding of which does not require the idea of anything else. This substance is infinite, and nought else exists; it is incapable of creating anything material or intellectual, for all matter and mind are comprehended in itself; its attributes are infinite thought and infinite extension. God, this all-embracing being, can act only in accordance with the established order, for otherwise we must suppose him capable of a change of nature, or that there exists a nature different from his own. Thought and extension, spirit and matter. finite and infinite, motion and repose, good and evil, causes and effects, are attributes of this sole substance, which produces nothing but modifications of itself. All that exists is only a necessary succession of modes of being in a substance for ever the same. Spinozist (spi'no-zist), n. A believer in the doctrines of Spinoza. Spinster (spin'stér), n. [Spin, and fem. term. -ster. See -STER.] 1. A woman who spins or whose occupation is to spin: formerly also applied sometimes to a man. The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers.' Shak. Hence2. In law, the common title by which an unmarried woman, from a viscount's daughter downward, is designated in England. It may be used adjectively. Here the spinster aunt uttered a loud shriek, and became senseless. Dickens. 3. A woman of an ill life or character: s0 called from being forced to spin in the house of correction. Beau. & Fl. Spinstry† (spin'stri), n. The business or work of spinning. Milton. Spinthere (spin' ther), n. [Fr. spinthère, from Gr. spinther, a spark] A mineral of a greenish-gray colour. It is a variety of sphene. Spinule (spin'ül), n. [L. spinula, dim. of spina, a spine.] A minute spine. Spinulescent (spin-u-les'ent), a. In bot having a tendency to produce small spines; somewhat thorny. Spinulose, Spinulous (spin'ū-lòs, spin'ülus), a. In bot. covered with small spines. Spinuloso-ciliate (spin'ü-lõ-sõ-sil”i-át), a. In bot. ciliated with fine spines. Spiny (spin'i), a. 1. Full of spines; thorny; as, a spiny tree.-2. Like a spine; slender. 'Spiny grasshoppers.' Chapman.-3. Thorny; 'The perplexed; difficult; troublesome. spiny deserts of scholastic philosophy.' War. burton. Spiny (spin'i), n. Same as Spinney. Spion t (spi'on), n. [Fr. espion, a spy.) A spy. Captain of the spions.' Heywood Spira (spi'ra), n. [L] In arch. the base of a column. This member did not exist in the Doric order of architecture, but is always present in the Ionic and Corinthian. Spirablet (spir'a-bl), a. Capable of being breathed; respirable. Spiracle (spir'a-kl), n. [L. spiraculum, from spiro, to breathe.] Any small hole, aperture, orifice, or vent in animal or veget able bodies by which air or other fluid is exhaled or inhaled; specifically, the breathing-pores or apertures of the breathing-tubes of insects; also, the single nostril of the hagfishes, the blow-hole of the cetaceans, &c. Spiræa (spi-rē'a), n. [Gr. speiraia, from speira, a spire, something twisted, in allusion to the flexile branches being suitable for twisting into garlands.] A genus of plants, nat. order Rosacea. The species, which are diffused through the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere, consist of small unarmed shrubs or perennial herbs, with simple or compound leaves and racemes or corymbs of white or reddish flowers. Several North American, Indian, and Ja panese shrubby species are in cultivation, and are deservedly esteemed for their ornamental flowers. Two species are British, |