† spittard Obs.
[app. f. spit n.1; see -ard, and cf. G. spiessert.]
= spitter1.
There is prob. some connexion with spyccard, but the exact nature of this is not clear.
| 1538 Elyot, Subulo, an harte hauynge hornes without tynes, callyd as I suppose a spyttarde. 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 122 Of the Hart and Hinde..When they begin to haue hornes, which appeare in the second yeare of their age, like Bodkins without braunches,..the Germans cal such an one Spitzhirtz, which in English is called a Spittard. |