SPARE
verb
Definitions
- 1. To use frugally or stintingly, as that which is scarce or valuable; to retain or keep unused; to save. "No cost would he spare." Chaucer. [Thou] thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare. Milton. He that hath knowledge, spareth his words. Prov. xvii. 27.
- 2. To keep to one's self; to forbear to impart or give. Be pleased your plitics to spare. Dryden. Spare my sight the pain Of seeing what a world of tears it costs you. Dryden.
- 3. To preserve from danger or punishment; to forbear to punish, injure, or harm; to show mercy to. Spare us, good Lord. Book of Common Prayer. Dim sadness did not spare That time celestial visages. Milton. Man alone can whom he conquers spare. Waller.
- 4. To save or gain, as by frugality; to reserve, as from some occupation, use, or duty. All the time he could spare from the necessary cares of his weighty charge, he Knolles.
- 5. To deprive one's self of, as by being frugal; to do without; to dispense with; to give up; to part with. Where angry Jove did never spare One breath of kind and temperate air. Roscommon. I could have better spared a better man. Shak. To spare one's self. (a) To act with reserve. [Obs.] Her thought that a lady should her spare. Chaucer.
- 6. To save one's self labor, punishment, or blame.
Other Definitions
This word also has 2 other definitions:
SPARE
(adjective)
1. Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.
2. Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary. He was spare, but discreet of speech. Carew.
3. Bei...
SPARE
(noun)
1. The act of sparing; moderation; restraint. [Obs.] Killing for sacrifice, without any spare. Holland.
2. Parsimony; frugal use. [Obs.] Bacon. Poure...
Added: October 09, 2025
Updated: October 09, 2025