spur

I. noun Etymology: Middle English spure, from Old English spura; akin to Old English spurnan to kick — more at spurn Date: before 12th century 1. a. a pointed device secured to a rider's heel and used to urge on the horse b. plural [from the acquisition of spurs by a person achieving knighthood] recognition and reward for achievement <

won his academic spurs as the holder of a chair in a university — James Mountford

> 2. a goad to action ; stimulus 3. something projecting like or suggesting a spur: as a. a projecting root or branch of a tree, shrub, or vine b. (1) a stiff sharp spine (as on the wings or legs of a bird or insect); especially one on a cock's leg (2) a gaff for a gamecock c. a hollow projecting appendage of a corolla or calyx (as in larkspur or columbine) d. a bony outgrowth (as on the heel of the foot) e. climbing iron 4. a. an angular projection, offshoot, or branch extending out beyond or away from a main body or formation; especially a ridge or lesser elevation that extends laterally from a mountain or mountain range b. a railroad track that branches off from a main line 5. a reinforcing buttress of masonry in a fortification Synonyms: see motive II. verb (spurred; spurring) Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. to urge (a horse) on with spurs 2. to incite to action or accelerated growth or development ; stimulate 3. to put spurs on intransitive verb to spur one's horse on