(a) A spit for roasting meat, fish, etc., a broach; also fig.; ~ turnere; turninge ~; (b) a short, pointed rod used as an instrument of torture, esp. of impalement; a short spear; also, the point (of a spear); also, in fig. context: a spine in a fish's fin; (c) something pointed: a symbol marking a text, a dagger; a piece of land projecting into the sea; ?a spoke of a cart wheel; ~ makinge, the making of spokes; (d) in surnames and place names [see Smith PN Elem.2.138].