Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPADE, n. [Sax. spad, spada; G. spaten; D. spaade; Dan. and Sw. spade; probably from breadth, extension, coinciding with L. spatula, from the root of pateo.]

1. An instrument for digging, consisting of a broad palm with a handle.
2. A suit of cards.
3. A deer three years old; written also spaid.
4. A gelded beast. [L. spado.]