▪ I. † ˈspeeler1 Sc. Obs.
In 5 spelare, 6 spelair.
[prob. ad. older Flem. or LG. speler (G. spieler) player, actor; formation on speel v.1 is less likely.]
A performer; an acrobat.
| 1496 Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot. I. 322 Item,..giffin to the tawbronar that playit to the King, and the spelare with him, xxvij s. 1502 Ibid. II. 334 Item, to the spelair, his quartar pensioun, xij li. x s. 1503 Ibid. 387 Item, to the Inglis spelair, that playit the supersalt. |
▪ II. ˈspeeler2 Sc.
[f. speel v.1]
One of a pair of spiked irons used in climbing poles or trees.
| 1869 in Mrs. Gordon Home Life Brewster iii. 31 These [firs] the boys ascended, with ‘speilers’ or iron cramps on their ankles, to reach the crow-nests. |
▪ III. speeler3 Austr.
[perh. f. north. dial. speel ‘to run quickly’ (of a horse).]
A horse with a turn for speed.
| 1893 Mrs. C. Praed Outlaw & Lawmaker I. 252 He's a bit of a speeler. He'd lick the lot of 'em if he was put into training. |
▪ IV. speeler
var. spieler, ‘sharper’.