spitstick

noun

spit·​stick

ˈspitˌstik

variants or spitsticker

-kə(r)

1

: a graver that is used especially to outline designs

2

: a small pointed chisel (as for making very small sloping cuts between the stones of a setting)

Word History

Etymology

spitstick alteration (influenced by stick) of spitsticker, from Dutch spitssteker, from spits pointed (from Middle Dutch, from Middle High German spiz, spitze, from Old High German spizzi) + steker graver, one that pricks or thrusts, from Middle Dutch, jouster, from steken to sting, prick, thrust + -er; akin to Old High German stehhan to sting, prick

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!