spat Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a quarrel about petty points
squabble; fuss; bicker; pettifoggery; bickering; tiff.
noun a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles
gaiter.
noun a young oyster or other bivalve
verb come down like raindrops
- Bullets were spatting down on us
verb become permanently attached
- mollusks or oysters spat
verb strike with a sound like that of falling rain
- Bullets were spatting the leaves
verb clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval
applaud; acclaim; clap.
verb engage in a brief and petty quarrel
verb spawn
- oysters spat
verb clap one's hands together
clap.
- The children were clapping to the music
verb expel or eject (saliva or phlegm or sputum) from the mouth
spew; spue; ptyalise; ptyalize; spit.
- The father of the victim spat at the alleged murderer
verb utter with anger or contempt
spit; spit out.
verb rain gently
pitter-patter; sprinkle; spatter; patter; spit.
- It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
verb drive a skewer through
skewer; spit.
- skewer the meat for the BBQ

From the root of spit; hence, literally, that which is ejected.

A young oyster or other bivalve mollusk, both before and after it first becomes adherent, or such young, collectively.

Cf. Pat.

A light blow with something flat. U.S. & Prov. Eng.
Hence, a petty combat, esp. a verbal one; a little quarrel, dispute, or dissension. U. S.

imperfect & past participle Spatted; present participle & verbal noun Spatting

To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as the hands. Local, U.S.
Little Isabel leaped up and down, spatting her hands. Judd.