a. [ L. Spartanus. ] Of or pertaining to Sparta, especially to ancient Sparta; hence, hardy; undaunted;
[ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Chem.) A narcotic alkaloid extracted from the tops of the common broom (Cytisus scoparius, formerly Spartium scoparium), as a colorless oily liquid of aniline-like odor and very bitter taste. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., from Sp. esparto esparto, L. spartum, Gr. &unr_;. ] Articles made of the blades or fiber of the Lygeum Spartum and Stipa tenacissima (syn. Macrochloa tenacissima), kinds of grass used in
n. [ Cf. Icel. spar&unr_;a. ] An Anglo-Saxon battle-ax, or halberd. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
He hath a sparth of twenty pound of weight. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]