2. To refrain from inflicting harm; to use mercy or forbearance. He will not spare in the day of vengeance. Prov. vi. 34.

3. To desist; to stop; to refrain. [Obs.] Chaucer.

SPARE Spare, a. [Compar. Sparer; superl. Sparest; — not used in all the senses of the word.] Etym: [AS. spær sparing. Cf. Spare, v. t. ]

1. Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.

2. Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary. He was spare, but discreet of speech. Carew.

3. Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time. If that no spare clothes he had to give. Spenser.

4. Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.

5. Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt. O, give me the spare men, and spare me the great ones. Shak.

6. Slow. [Obs. or prov. Eng.] Grose.

SPARE
Spare, n.