ˌover-ˈsparred, a.
(-ˈspɑːd)
[f. over- 28 d + spar n. + -ed2.]
Of a ship: Having too many or too heavy spars (masts, yards, etc.), so as to be top-heavy. Hence fig. (Naut. slang), unsteady.
| 1871 Echo 18 Jan., They say that our ships draw too much water, are over-sparred. 1890 Clark Russell Ocean Trag. I. i. 8 He could have carried a whole bottle..without exhibiting himself as in the least degree oversparred. |