spud 
(spŭd)
(spŭd)n.
1. Informal A potato.
2. A sharp spadelike tool used for rooting or digging out weeds.
3. A short section of pipe or a threaded fitting that completes a connection, as between a longer pipe and a nozzle, valve, or meter.
tr.v. spud·ded, spud·ding, spuds
1. To remove with a sharp spadelike tool.
2. To begin drilling operations on: spud an oil well.
[Middle English spudde, short knife.]