sprag

¹ American  

[sprag] / spræg /

noun

1. a pole or bar hinged to the rear axle of a cart or the like in such a way that it can brace the vehicle against a road to prevent it from rolling downhill.

2. Mining. a short timber for propping up loose walls or spacing two sets.

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verb (used with object)

spragged, spragging

1. to prop, support, or immobilize (a vehicle) by means of a sprag.

verb (used without object)

spragged, spragging

1. to slow a vehicle by means of a sprag or, sometimes, by bracing the feet against the ground.

sprag ² American  

[sprag] / spræg /

noun

1. a young cod.

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sprag British  

/ spræɡ /

noun

1. a chock or steel bar used to prevent a vehicle from running backwards on an incline

2. a support or post used in mining

3. mining a steel bar inserted into the wheels of a box to act as a brake

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Etymology

Origin of sprag¹

1835–45; special use of dial. sprag twig ( Old English spræcg shoot, slip); akin to sprig

Origin of sprag²

First recorded in 1700–10; special use of dialectal sprag “twig, lively young man”; sprag ¹ and for meaning, sprig

Example Sentences

A power spike can also destroy a sprag clutch, essentially severing the interconnected drive shaft.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

On each tip, by the engines, a component called a sprag clutch transfers torque, or power, from one proprotor to the other to make sure both rotors are spinning at the same speed.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

If one of the two engines fails, the sprag clutch is also a safety feature: It will transfer power from the working side to the failing engine’s side to keep both rotors going.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

But sprag clutches have also become a worrying element.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

But the epitaphs were trim and sprag, and patent, and pleased the survivors of Thames Ditton above the old mumpsimus of "Afflictions sore."

From The Best Letters of Charles Lamb by Lamb, Charles