SPRIT (4)

Sprit, n. [[OE. spret, AS. spreót a sprit, spear; akin to D. spriet, and E. sprout, sprit, v.t. & i. See Sprout, v. i.]] (Naut.) A small boom, pole, or spar, which crosses the sail of a boat diagonally from the mast to the upper aftmost corner, which it is used to extend and elevate.