Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPEAR, n. [Sax. speare, spere; D. and G. speer; Dan. spær; W. yspar, from pâr, a spear. So W. ber is a spear, and a spit, that which shoots to a point. Class Br.]

1. A long pointed weapon used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a lance. – Milton. Pope.
2. A sharp pointed instrument with barbs; used for stabbing fish and other animals. – Carew.
3. A shoot, as of grass; usually spire.