spittle
English edit
Pronunciation edit
Etymology 1 edit
Alteration of dialectal spattle (by association with spit (noun)), from Old English spātl, which is related to spǣtan (whence spit (verb)).
Noun edit
spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)
- Spit, usually frothy and of a milky coloration.
- Something frothy and white that resembles spit.
- Spit-up or drool of an infant.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
spit, usually frothy
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Etymology 2 edit
Noun edit
spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)
- (now archaic) Alternative form of spital
- a. 1633, George Herbert, The Thanksgiving:
- I'll build a spittle, or mend common ways […]
Etymology 3 edit
Representing a frequentative form of spit (“a spade's depth”), equivalent to spit + -le.
Noun edit
spittle (countable and uncountable, plural spittles)
- A small sort of spade.
Verb edit
spittle (third-person singular simple present spittles, present participle spittling, simple past and past participle spittled)
- To dig or stir with a small spade.