cockspur

American  

[kok-spur] / ˈkɒkˌspɜr /

noun

1. a North American hawthorn, Crataegus crus-galli, having leathery, toothed leaves and red fruit, cultivated as a small ornamental tree.

2. a gaslight burner having three jets.

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cockspur British  

/ ˈkɒkˌspɜː /

noun

1. a spur on the leg of a cock

2. an annual grass, Echinochloa crus-galli, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions

3. a small thorny North American hawthorn tree, Crataegus crus-galli

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Etymology

Origin of cockspur

First recorded in 1585–95; for cock's spur

Example Sentences

He used two types of burners, the Argand and the cockspur.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew

It was somewhat more efficient than the cockspur burner.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew

Large plains, with thorny jungles and bushes of the long cockspur thorn interspersed, formed the character of the ground.

From The Rifle and the Hound in Ceylon by Baker, Samuel White, Sir

The size of the flame being, in comparison with that of the cockspur, so much larger proportionately to the metal burner, the cooling effect of the latter was not so apparent.

From Gas Burners Old and New by Merriman, Owen

The gas-burner first employed by Murdock received the name "cockspur" from the shape of the flame.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew