Collins English-English Dictionary

spare [spεə]

1. 1. vt. [tr] to refrain from killing, punishing, harming, or injuring

2. 2. vt. [tr] to release or relieve, as from pain, suffering, etc

3. 3. vt. [tr] to refrain from using

   spare the rod, spoil the child

4. 4. vt. [tr] to be able to afford or give

   I can't spare the time

5. 5. vt. [usually passive] (esp of Providence) to allow to survive

   I'll see you again next year if we are spared

6. 6. vi. [intr] [now rare] to act or live frugally

7. 7. vi. [intr] [rare] to show mercy

8. 8. adj [often immediately postpositive] in excess of what is needed; additional

   are there any seats spare?

9. 9. adj able to be used when needed

   a spare part

10. 10. adj (of a person) thin and lean

11. 11. adj scanty or meagre

12. 12. adj [postpositive] [Brit] [slang] upset, angry, or distracted (esp in the phrase go spare)

13. 13. n a duplicate kept as a replacement in case of damage or loss

14. 14. n a spare tyre

15. 15. n

16. 16. n [tenpin bowling] the act of knocking down all the pins with the two bowls of a single frame

17. 17. n the score thus made - Compare strike

18. 18. n [Etymology] Old English sparian to refrain from injuring; related to Old Norse spara, Old High German sparon