spit

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spitu; akin to Old High German spiz spit, spizzi pointed Date: before 12th century 1. a slender pointed rod for holding meat over a fire 2. a small point of land especially of sand or gravel running into a body of water II. transitive verb (spitted; spitting) Date: 13th century to fix on or as if on a spit ; impale III. verb (spit or spat; spitting) Etymology: Middle English spitten, from Old English spittan; akin to Middle High German spiutzen to spit Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. a. to eject (as saliva) from the mouth ; expectorate b. (1) to express (unpleasant or malicious feelings) by or as if by spitting (2) to utter with a spitting sound or scornful expression <

spat out his words

> c. to emit as if by spitting; especially to emit (precipitation) in driving particles or in flurries <

spit rain

> 2. to set to burning <

spit a fuse

> intransitive verb 1. a. (1) to eject saliva as an expression of aversion or contempt (2) to exhibit contempt b. to eject matter (as saliva) from the mouth ; expectorate 2. to rain or snow slightly or in flurries 3. to make a noise suggesting expectoration ; sputter IV. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. (1) spittle, saliva (2) the act or an instance of spitting b. (1) a frothy secretion exuded by spittlebugs (2) spittlebug 2. perfect likeness 3. a sprinkle of rain or flurry of snow