Definition of spare

• a. - To use frugally or stintingly, as that which is scarce or valuable; to retain or keep unused; to save.
• a. - To keep to one's self; to forbear to impart or give.
• a. - To preserve from danger or punishment; to forbear to punish, injure, or harm; to show mercy to.
• a. - To save or gain, as by frugality; to reserve, as from some occupation, use, or duty.
• a. - To deprive one's self of, as by being frugal; to do without; to dispense with; to give up; to part with.
• v. i. - To be frugal; not to be profuse; to live frugally; to be parsimonious.
• v. i. - To refrain from inflicting harm; to use mercy or forbearance.
• v. i. - To desist; to stop; to refrain.
• v. t. - Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.
• v. t. - Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary.
• v. t. - Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time.
• v. t. - Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.
• v. t. - Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt.
• v. t. - Slow.
• n. - The act of sparing; moderation; restraint.
• n. - Parsimony; frugal use.
• n. - An opening in a petticoat or gown; a placket.
• n. - That which has not been used or expended.
• n. - The right of bowling again at a full set of pins, after having knocked all the pins down in less than three bowls. If all the pins are knocked down in one bowl it is a double spare; in two bowls, a single spare.