Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for SPUNGE
SPUNGE, n. [L. spongia; Gr. σπογγια; Fr. eponge; It. spugna; Sp. esponja; Sax. spongea; D. spons.]
- A porous marine substance, found adhering to rocks, shells, &c., under water, and on rocks about the shore at low water. It is generally supposed to be of animal origin, and it consists of a fibrous reticulated substance, covered by a soft gelatinous matter, but in which no polypes have hitherto been observed. It is so porous as to imbibe a great quantity of water, and is used for various purposes in the arts and in surgery. – Encyc. Cuvier.
- In gunnery, an instrument for cleaning cannon after a discharge. It consists of a cylinder of wood, covered with lamb akin. For small guns, it is commonly fixed to one end of the handle of the rammer.
- In the manege, the extremity or point of a horse-shoe, answering to the heel. Pyrotechnical spunge, is made of mushrooms or fungi, growing on old oaks, ash, fir, &c., which are boiled in water, dried and beaten, then put in a strong lye prepared with saltpeter, and again dried in an oven. This makes the black match or tinder brought from Germany. – Encyc.
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