Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPAWN, n. [It has no plural. If this word is not contracted, it belongs to the root of L. pono, Sp. poner, Fr. pondre, to lay eggs. If contracted, it probably belongs to the root of spew or spawl. The radical sense is that which is ejected or thrown out.]

1. The eggs of fish or frogs, when ejected. – Ray.
2. Any product or offspring; an expression of contempt. – Roscommon.
3. Offsets; shoots; suckers of plants. [Not used in America.]