spile

n. [ Cf. LG. spile, dial. G. speil, speiler, D. spijl. √170. ] 1. A small plug or wooden pin, used to stop a vent, as in a cask. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A small tube or spout inserted in a tree for conducting sap, as from a sugar maple. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A large stake driven into the ground as a support for some superstructure; a pile. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Mining) One of the thick laths or poles driven horizontally ahead on top of a set of the main timbering in advancing a level in loose ground.
Syn. -- forepole; spill{ 2d }. [ RDH ]

Spile hole, a small air hole in a cask; a vent. [ 1913 Webster ]