spade1
n.
- a tool with a sharp-edged, rectangular metal blade and a long handle, used for digging.
-
[as modifier]
shaped like a spade:
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a spade bit.
v.
dig over with a spade.
▸move or lift with a spade.
Phrase
- call a spade a spade
speak plainly and frankly.
Derivative
- spadeful n.
(pl. spadefuls)
.
Etymology
OE spadu, spada, of Gmc origin.
spade2
n.
-
(spades)
one of the four suits in a conventional pack of playing cards, denoted by a black inverted heart-shaped figure with a small stalk.
▸
(a spade)
a card of this suit.
- informal, offensive a black person.
Phrase
- in spades
informal in large amounts or to a high degree.
Etymology
C16: from Ital. spade, pl. of spada ‘sword’, via L. from Gk spathē; cf. spade1.
