sparklen.
/ˈspɑːk(ə)l/ 1.
a. A small spark; an ignited or luminous particle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [noun] > spark or glittering light > ignited
sparklec1330
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [noun] > fire-spark
sparkc725
iselc1000
speldc1050
firebrandc1275
sprankc1300
sparklec1330
funka1393
sparklinga1529
fanglea1657
flanker1840
α.
β. 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xix. 28 Abraham..saw a multitude of sparkis [v.r. sperklis] steiynge vp fro the erthe.1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xii. 43 Thynke it not nomore than the sperkell yssuyng oute of the fyre wyth the smoke.1508 J. Stanbridge Vulgaria (W. de W.) A vj b Fauilla, a sperkle.15.. Adam Bel 133 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) II. 144 The spercles brent, and fell hym on.1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Kiv/1 A Sperkil, scintilla.proverbial.a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xi. 34 Of oo sparcle fyr is eechid.1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (1495) x. viii. 379 Of a lytill sperkyll in an hepe of towe or of tyndyr cometh sodaynly a grete fyre.?c1470 G. Ashby Active Policy Prince 426 For of a litle sparkel a grete fyre Comyth, displeasaunt to many a sire.a1550 in R. Dyboski Songs, Carols & Other Misc. Poems (1908) 130 Of a lytill sparkyll, commeth a gret fyre.c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 8544 Þe sparkles fleye as fir of flyntes.
c1407 J. Lydgate Reson & Sensuallyte 1579 A firy bronde, Castyng sparklys fer a-broode.
1482 Monk of Evesham xvii. 40 They ware bore vppe an hy by the grete vyolente flamys of fier as sparclys byn of a brennyng fornece.
1532 T. More Confut. Barnes in Wks. (1557) 757/2 We be sure by the smoke & the sparcles that there is fyre in the chymneye.
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. D2v When the steele and the flint be knockde togither, a man may light his match by the sparkle.
1620 T. Granger Syntagma Logicum 126 A sparkle hath the same vertue that fire hath.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 766 Fierce Effusion..Of smoak and bickering flame, and sparkles dire. View more context for this quotation
1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 362 You will see a great many sparkles darted up from the surface of the metal.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy III. vi. 178 I remained..gazing after them, as if endeavouring to count the sparkles which flew from the horses' hoofs.
1870 W. C. Bryant tr. Homer Iliad I. iv. 108 A radiant meteor scattering sparkles round.
b. With of (fire, etc.).
ΚΠ
c1422 T. Hoccleve Min. Poems xxiii. 702 Right as sparcles of fyr aboute sprede Whan þat a greet toun set is on a lowe.
a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) i. xlii. f. lxviii/1 Noo thynge fantastyque, but a sparcle of fyre.
1597 Bp. J. King Lect. Ionas i. 10 Quenching a sparkle of wild-fire.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 202 The aire appeared as if full of sparkles of fire.
c. In similes or comparisons, and in allusive use.
ΚΠ
c1330 King of Tars 194 Whon he was brouht uppon his stede, He sprong as sparkle doth of glede.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Wisd. iii. 7 As sparcles in reeddy places thei shuln renne hider and thider.
14.. Sir Beues (MS M.) 1884 Vp he sterte also right As sperkyll oute of fire right.
1660 W. Secker Nonsuch Professor 342 A man that carries Gun-powder about him, can never stand too far from Sparkles.
d. figurative and in figurative context; frequently with allusion to the kindling of a fire or conflagration.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > [noun] > spark or cause of something hard to control
sparkc888
sparklea1382
(a)
(b)c1530 A. Barclay Egloges ii. sig. Giv A small sparcle, may kendle loue certayne.1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccx Which small sparcle had growen to a greater flame, if the erle of Warwycke..had not sodaynly quenched it.1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxix. xxxi. 732 Unlesse they put out this sparkle of fire betimes,..it will be their chaunce to be caught therewith.1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. vi. 207 That every least despised sparkle is apt to occasion great combustions.1781 S. Johnson Addison in Pref. Wks. Eng. Poets V. 49 Some unlucky sparkle from a Tory paper set Steele's politicks on fire.1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 89 To make My nature's prideful sparkle in the blood Break into furious flame.a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Wisd. ii. 2 Sermoun of [read is] a sparcle to stirn togidere oure herte.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Reeve's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) Prol. l. 31 Foure gleedes haue we.., Auauntyng lyyng Anger Coueitise Thise foure sparkles [v.r. sperkles] longen vn to eelde.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. 249v/1 How be hit that the membres were bounden in the hete of the Sparcles, the force of the feith was not corrupt.
1581 J. Bell tr. W. Haddon & J. Foxe Against Jerome Osorius 263 It shal be as easie a matter for a man to finde as much Relligion in Tullies Officies..as this your Relligion is,..a fewe sparckles onely except.
1607 R. Parker Scholasticall Disc. against Antichrist i. i. 38 We must nourish her sparcles least her light bee quite extinguished.
1629 H. Burton Babel No Bethel 119 Considering them as sparkles leaping out of the boyling brest of juvenile ardour.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther i. 5 When their glimps was gone, My pride struck out new sparkles of her own.
1707 tr. P. Le Lorrain de Vallemont Curiosities in Husbandry & Gardening 323 Seeds..contain an Atom of Life, a sparkle of celestial Fire.
1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. ii. 36 A sparkle hath been quenched by his blood, which no human breath can again rekindle!
2. A slight beginning, trace, indication, or manifestation of something.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [noun] > a manifestation > slight
sparklec1380
taste1390
whiff1644
proffer1740
aperçu1828
snatch1880
society > communication > indication > [noun] > an indication or sign > slight
sparklec1380
odourc1384
smell?a1505
savour?1531
casta1556
obumbrationa1631
smite1640
subindication1655
smattering1764
whiff1872
breath1873
c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. I. 279 Sparclis of grace þat we felen.
1430–40 J. Lydgate tr. Bochas Fall of Princes (1554) iii. xix. 91 b/2 The sparcle of vengeance is quicked..by windes foure.
c1450 J. Metham Wks. 39 With-in Amoryus the sparkyl off loue so rootyd gan be.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Mark Pref. 5 What sparcle of shame remayneth.
1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. viii. x. 151 They had not one sparcle of compassion on vs.
1606 J. Carpenter Schelomonocham iii. f. 12 He..giueth not so much as any sparkle or shew of a merry conceit.
a1674 T. Traherne Christian Ethicks (1675) 415 Now all these sparkles of Joy..meet together in Humility.
1718 F. Hutchinson Hist. Ess. conc. Witchcraft ii. 31 He said, he had never found one Sparkle of Truth.
a1774 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued (1777) III. iv. 80 Their frictions..struck out the first sparkles of judgement and forecast.
1825 W. Scott Betrothed vi, in Tales Crusaders II. 122 Pleased to shew some sparkles of his ancient military education.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vii. 126 It is an unlucky moment to remember these sparkles of solitary virtue.
3. A vital or animating principle. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > vital principle > [noun]
souleOE
lifeOE
spiritusOE
bloodOE
ghostOE
life and soulOE
quickship?c1225
quicknessc1230
breatha1300
spirita1325
spark1382
naturec1385
sparkle1388
livelinessa1398
rational soula1398
spiracle1398
animal spirit?a1425
vital spiritc1450
soul of the world1525
candle1535
fire1576
three souls1587
vitality?1592
candlelight1596
substance1605
vivacity1611
animality1615
vividity1616
animals1628
life spring1649
archeus1651
vital1670
spirituosity1677
springs of life1681
microcosmetor1684
vital force1702
vital spark (also flame)1704
stamen1718
vis vitae1752
prana1785
Purusha1785
jiva1807
vital force1822
heartbeat1828
world-soul1828
world-spirit1828
life energy1838
life force1848
ghost soul1869
will to live1871
biogen1882
ki1893
mauri1897
élan vital1907
orgone1942
1388 Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) 2 Sam. xiv. 7 Thei seken to quenche my sparcle whych is lefte.
1599 J. Davies Nosce Teipsum 3 How can we hope, that..This dying Sparkle..Can recollect these beames of knowledge cleare?
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > gem or precious stone > [noun] > small
sparkle1480
spark1508
1480 in Cal. Documents Scotl. (1888) IV. 297 Sparkyllys [called] rubees.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther ii. 61 Entire, one solid shining Diamond, Not Sparkles shatter'd into sects like you.
1704 E. Arwaker Embassy from Heaven xxxiv. 14 His Chrystal Coach in Di'mond Sparkles burn'd.
5. figurative.a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 96 We have conceyvyd some sparkyl of the celestyal lyght.1583 G. Babington Very Fruitfull Expos. Commaundem. ii. 94 These were but sparcles as it were of his glorie and maiestie that they sawe.1606 J. Clapham Hist. Great Britannie i. i. xii. 34 [The] Christian Religion..began to cast forth some small sparkles of her brightnesse.a1672 P. Sterry Rise Kingdom of God (1683) 212 A glance and sparkle of this Eternal Image of essential beauty.1816 T. Moore Oh, Thou! who Dry'st in Sacred Songs (1849) ii. 247 Hope that threw A moment's sparkle o'er our tears, Is dimm'd and vanished too.1888 C. M. Doughty Trav. Arabia Deserta I. vii. 196 These sallies are never unwelcome to Arabs, being as sparkles struck upon their own natural hearts.
a. A glittering or flashing point of light.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [noun] > spark or glittering light
sprankle1398
sparkle1490
spunkc1540
sparka1542
scintil1599
glitter1602
star1609
stricture1628
spinther1641
scintillation1646
fanglea1657
scintilla1661
sparkleta1687
twinkle1689
spangle1821
spink1829
crown jewel1851
twink1870
peep1882
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos xiii. 48 The sterres launchynge theyr bryghte sparkeles, excyte the appetyte of slepe.
1543 B. Traheron Interpr. Straunge Wordes in tr. J. de Vigo Most Excellent Wks. Chirurg. sig. §§.iiiv/1 When it is broken it sendeth out ye golden sparcles shinynge lyke sterres.
a1592 R. Greene Frier Bacon (1594) sig. F3 As the moone, Darkneth the brightest sparkles of the night.
1637 J. Milton Comus 4 Swift as the Sparkle of a glancing Starre.
a1651 N. Culverwell Elegant Disc. Light of Nature (1652) i. xvi. 167 The Sun..with its golden Scepter rules all created sparkles.
1714 Philos. Trans. 1713 (Royal Soc.) 28 231 Those Sparkles of Light.
1824 L.-M. Hawkins Annaline II. 169 I have witnessed at night..sparkles which adhered to the adjoining ropes.
1846 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters II. 215 The sparkles streaming from their purple wings like the glitter of many suns upon a sounding sea.
1871 L. Stephen Playground of Europe (1894) v. 128 A few green sparkles just pointing out the Lake of Thun.
b. A flashing or fiery glance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > a look or glance > [noun] > fiery glance
sparkle1590
pierce-eye1593
fire-flaught1803
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. sig. D4v His eies did hurle forth sparcles fiery red.
1721 A. Ramsay Keitha 41 Her een, which did with heav'nly sparkles low.
1823 T. Roscoe tr. J. C. L. de Sismondi Hist. Lit. Europe IV. xxxviii. 384 While dark-red sparkles from his eyeballs roll'd.
6.
a. Glittering or flashing appearance or quality; lively brightness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [noun] > spark or glittering light > sparkling or glittering
glistening1398
sprankling1398
twinkling1398
sprinklinga1400
sparklingc1440
glisteringc1450
glister1535
glittering1567
spangling1576
scintillation1585
sparkle1589
glitter1602
sparking1611
coruscancy1630
emication1646
eruscationa1652
sparklingnessa1691
glitterance1801
glisten1840
spangle1853
sparkliness-
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. C4 If the sparkle of her eyes appeare in the night, the starres blush at her brightnesse.
1639 J. Saltmarsh Pract. Policie sig. A7v Like those jewels which have their matter from earth, their sparkle from heaven.
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. xii. 315 The occasional sparkle of the long line of spears.
1832 W. Irving Alhambra II. 116 His ever-watchful eye caught the sparkle of a diamond.
1885 F. Miller Glass-painting 53 By rubbing off some of the colour, a wonderful brilliancy and sparkle is imparted.
b. Brightness or liveliness of spirit; smartness; wittiness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > vigour or liveliness
jollinessc1386
liveliheadc1425
quicknessc1425
vyfnes1475
ramagec1485
couragea1498
liveliness1534
spritec1540
livelihood1566
life1583
sprightliness1599
sprightfulness1602
ruach1606
sprightiness1607
sparkle1611
airiness1628
vivacy1637
spiritfulness1644
spirit1651
vivacity1652
spiritedness1654
brightness1660
sprightness1660
ramageness1686
race1690
friskiness1727
spirituousness1727
vivaciousness1727
brio1731
raciness1759
phlogiston1789
animation1791
lifefulness1829
pepper-and-salt1842
corkiness1845
aliveness1853
vitality1858
music1859
virtu1876
liveness1890
zippiness1907
bounce1909
zing1917
radioactivity1922
oomph1937
pizzazz1937
zinginess1938
hep1946
vavoom1962
welly1977
masala1986
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > [noun] > brilliancy of wit or language
sparkle1611
brillant1676
sparklingnessa1691
brilliant1691
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. viii. 493/2 How a King of any royall sparkle, could brooke such Sea-and land-Tempests..I cannot conceiue.
1789 C. Smith Ethelinde II. vii. 161 The sparkle of spirit and the languish of tenderness.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham I. iii. 20 Beside him was a quick, sharp little woman, all sparkle and bustle.
1876 F. E. Trollope Charming Fellow I. xvii. 234 [He] surprised himself by the amount of fun and sparkle he contrived to elicit.
1894 J. M. Cartwright Madame 1 The vivacity and sparkle which she inherited from her mother.
c. spec. The appearance characteristic of certain wines, due to the presence of carbonic-acid gas.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > wine > qualities or characteristics of wine > [noun] > sparkling quality
sparkiness1641
sparkle1833
spritzig1949
pétillance1951
1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 72 The Sillery has no sparkle at all.
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. xxxii. 445 If this solitary relic of festival days had lost its sparkle, we had not.
7. A small piece, part, spot, etc., of something; a (glittering) particle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [noun] > spark or glittering light > glittering fragment or particle
spark1562
sparklec1570
spangle1611
diamond1815
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [noun] > a separate part > a piece or bit > small piece
fingereOE
snedec1000
seed?a1200
morselc1300
bittlock?a1400
farthingc1405
spota1413
lipetc1430
offe?1440
drewc1450
remnantc1450
parcel1483
crap1520
flakec1525
patch1528
spark1548
a piece1559
sparklec1570
inch1573
nibbling?1577
scantling1585
scrat1593
mincing1598
scantle1598
halfpenny1600
quantity1600
nip1606
kantch1608
bit1609
catch1613
scripa1617
snap1616
sippeta1625
crumblet1634
scute1635
scantleta1642
snattock1654
cantlet1700
tab1729
pallion1738
smallness1818
knobble1823
wisp1836
c1570 J. Foxe Serm. 2 Cor. v. 18 A breeder of sinne, or (as we may call it) a privy sparcle of the Serpents seede.
1585 R. Parsons Christian Directorie i. x. 131 All the pleasures..in the worlde, being onely sparkles and parcelles sent out from God.
1769 St. James's Chron. 12–14 Sept. 1/3 A Peasant, into whose Eye flew a Sparkle of Iron.
1818 Gentleman's Mag. 343/2 An aerolite is of a grey colour, and sprinkled with metallic sparkles.
a1822 P. B. Shelley tr. P. Calderon Scenes from Magico Prodigioso in Posthumous Poems (1824) 378 Sparkles of blood on the white foam are cast.
Compounds
sparkle-blazing adj.
ΚΠ
1614 A. Gorges tr. Lucan Pharsalia i. 35 An vgly Fiend (that in her hand Did hold a sparkle-blazing brand).
sparkle-drifting adj.
ΚΠ
1845 C. Norton Child of Islands 178 Hammer the sparkle-drifting iron straight.
sparkle-eyed adj.
ΚΠ
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Katte-oogen, ofte Kat-oogigh, cat-eyed, or sparkel-eyed like a Cat.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
sparklev.1
/ˈspɑːk(ə)l/ I. intransitive.
1. To issue, to fly or spring out or forth, in sparkles or small particles. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > go or come out [verb (intransitive)] > violently > in drops or small particles
sparklea1200
spark1513
spatter1600
spit1611
spurtle1651
spark1833
splurta1849
spurt1854
a1200 St. Marher. 9 Of his spetewile muð sperklede fur ut.
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) i. 47 As it had bene a clowde of fyer sparkelyng & dropyng vpon his hed, & vpon all his body.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. ix. 141 The trueth will sparkle out of the Contrarietie of vntruethes, as fire sparkles out of the knocking of one Flintstone against another.
1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 42 The spirits..hastily leaping out as it were, and quickly sparkling forth.
1620 G. Markham Farewell to Husbandry (1668) ii. xvii. 75 As the Pidgeons or Crows tear up the straw, the Lime or ashes will sparkle into their eyes and nares.
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar ii. ix. 122 If like a flint he sends a sparke out, it must as soon be extinguished as shewes, and cool as soon as sparkle.
1850 W. Wordsworth Prelude viii. 224 A diamond light..was seen Sparkling from out a copse-clad bank.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 87 When some heat of difference sparkled out.
2.
a. To emit or send out sparks or sparkles of fire. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > become fire [verb (intransitive)] > emit sparks
sparkc1300
sparkle1481
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde ii. xxviii. 121 This that maketh the clowdes to sparkle and lyghtne whan the thondre is herde.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 726/2 Ware your face, this fier sparkilleth apace.
1590 R. Greene Neuer too Late i. 60 Their eies like comets, that when they sparkle foretell some fatall disparagement.
1692 T. P. Blount Ess. 153 And so, like two Flints struck together, they will be continually sparkling and spitting fire at one another.
1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxv. 37 The coldest bodies warm with opposition, the hardest sparkle in collision.
1794 W. Wordsworth Guilt & Sorrow xx Till on a stone, that sparkled to his feet, Struck..the troubled horse.
1839 P. J. Bailey Festus 73 I will rub them backwards like a cat; And you shall see them spit and sparkle up.
1886 R. E. G. Cole Gloss. Words S.-W. Lincs. 138 Larch~branches sparkle about so, they're dangerous for childer.
b. To throw off small particles; to crackle.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (intransitive)] > be emitted > small particles
sparkle1495
splutter1848
1495 Trevisa's Bartholomeus De Proprietatibus Rerum (de Worde) xv. cxlix. 542 In the see of Sicilia is..a wonder maner salt, for it meltyth in fyre and sparklith in water.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues La lumiere petille, the candle sparkles, or spits.
c. Of the eyes: To flash with anger or rage.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > by size, shape, etc.
starta1393
sparkle1594
startle1600
settle1615
pop1680
fever1820
largen1844
bug1868
1594 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 iii. ii. 321 Mine eyes should sparkle like the beaten flint.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) ii. v. 131 With fiery eyes, sparkling for very wrath. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 194 With..Eyes That sparkling blaz'd. View more context for this quotation
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 142 The Seer..Rowl'd his green Eyes, that sparkl'd with his Rage. View more context for this quotation
3.
a. To reflect or emit numerous separate rays or points of light; to glitter or flash.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or glitter
twinklec888
shimc950
blika1000
glisec1000
glistenc1000
glista1225
glore13..
sparkc1300
glisterc1380
sparklec1386
spranklea1387
glittera1400
sprinklea1400
blikenc1400
glaster1447
springlec1460
sprangle1495
brandish1552
pink1589
scintillate1623
simper1633
twink1637
spangle1639
scintill1681
scintillize1694
prinkle1724
skinkle1765
winkle1791
coruscate1807
c1386 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 1306 A mantelet..Bret-ful of rubies reed, as fir sparclyng.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Ezek. i. 7 They sparkled like the appearance of bright brasse.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) ii. iv. 40 Sparkles this Stone as it was wont, or is't not Too dull for your good wearing? View more context for this quotation
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xv. 414 The Sea seemed all of a Fire about us: for every Sea that broke sparkled like Lightning.
1719 E. Young Busiris iii. 37 Conquest and Crowns shall sparkle in her Sight.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. xi. 367 She saw..the wide sea sparkling in the morning rays.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. xvi. 325 Those stately towers..which still, in some places, sparkled with lights.
1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve Narr. Walking Tour Brittany ii. 16 The white villas sparkled in the morning sun.
1894 F. M. Elliot Rom. Gossip iii. 84 An emerald ring..sparkled on one finger.
b. figurative or in figurative context.
ΚΠ
1667 L. Stuckley Gospel-glasse ix. 75 We have not sparkled so much the more in an holy Zeal.
1690 W. Temple Ess. Poetry in Wks. (1720) I. 247 'Tis something to sparkle among Diamonds, but to shine among Pebbles is neither Credit nor Value worth the pretending.
a1764 R. Lloyd Poet in Poet. Wks. (1774) II. 32 Who can a hearty praise bestow, If merit sparkles in a foe.
1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 483 It [the language] sparkles with the gems he left behind.
1838 J. C. Hare & A. W. Hare Guesses at Truth (ed. 2) 1st Ser. 56 Chaucer sparkles with the dew of morning.
1981 Times 10 June 20 Banks and insurances sparkle. An initial flurry of activity was seen in banks and insurances.
c. figurative. To be extremely bright or lively in conversation or writing; to abound or excel in lively sallies of wit.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > wit, wittiness > be witty [verb (intransitive)]
repartee1640
wit1654
sparkle1698
witticize1773
scintillate1828
1698 J. Collier Short View Immorality Eng. Stage 224 Miss Hoyden sparkles too much in Conversation.
1699 J. Dunton Acct. Conversat. in Dublin Scuffle 382 His Wit sparkles as well as his Eyes.
1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §338 Those exalted notions and fine hints that sparkle and shine throughout his writings.
1841 I. D'Israeli Amenities Lit. II. 192 They display an original comic invention, and sparkle with the most lively sallies.
1851 R. A. Willmott Pleasures of Lit. (1852) vii. 40 Boccaccio sparkles over a grim treatise of Calvin.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. xiii. 309 These hints..sparkle with the dry and clear acuteness characteristic of the writer.
d. To move, proceed, flow, etc., in a glittering or sparkling manner. Const. with prepositions and adverbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or glitter > sparkle forth
spark1513
disparkle1648
sparkle1833
spark1889
1833 C. Lamb Last Ess. Elia 134 To trace your salutary waters sparkling through green Hertfordshire.
1841 R. Browning Pippa Passes iii, in Bells & Pomegranates No. I 13/1 See how that beetle burnishes in the path!—There sparkles he along the dust.
1885 H. R. Haggard King Solomon's Mines iii There are the deep kloofs..down which the rivers sparkle.
4. Of wines, etc.: To effervesce with small glittering bubbles, due to the presence or rising of carbonic-acid gas.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > types or qualities of intoxicating liquor > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or froth
flowera1382
sparkle1671
smile1699
knit1743
1422 [implied in: tr. Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv. 230 Tho that haue even like ly of fyre brandynge and sprakelynge, bene angry and shameles. (at sparkling adj.1 1a)].
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 544 Nor did the dancing Rubie Sparkling, out-pow'rd, the flavor, or the smell,..Allure thee from the cool Crystalline stream. View more context for this quotation
1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) To Sparkle,..to send forth small Bubbles, as strong Wine does in a Glass.
1783 Philos. Trans. 1782 (Royal Soc.) 72 431 The water sparkled, as does Seltzer water, by the vessel being shook.
1826 D. Booth Art of Brewing (ed. 2) 42 Sparkling in the glass like the finest bottled ale.
1833 C. Redding Hist. Mod. Wines v. 116 The white Crose is a light, delicate wine... It sparkles like Champagne.
5. in extended use.1833 H. Martineau Berkeley the Banker i. i. 21 Hester blushed, and sparkled, and looked quite ready to communicate something.1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay iii. 48 A bright happy smile sparkled over her countenance.† c. To entertain a strong desire for something.
a. Of feelings, etc.: To appear or be evident in (or through) the eyes by the brightness or animation of these.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > manifestation > [verb (intransitive)]
seem1340
to prove wellc1387
showa1393
appearc1400
to stare (a person) in the face1510
sparkle1597
shinea1616
transpear1645
relate1663
it is visible1693
to speak out1846
notice1961
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet i. i. 188 A fire sparkling in louers eyes. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. i. 51 Disdaine and Scorne ride sparkling in her eies. View more context for this quotation
1645 J. Milton Arcades in Poems 53 I see bright honour sparkle through your eyes.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 388 Joy Sparkl'd in all thir eyes. View more context for this quotation
1704 J. Swift Full Acct. Battel between Bks. in Tale of Tub 276 Rage sparkled in His Eyes.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. v. 543 With nothing but victory sparkling in his eye.
1848 C. Dickens Dombey & Son liv. 539 Intense abhorrence sparkling in her eyes.
b. Of the eyes: To be bright or animated; to shine, to glisten.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > sparkle or glitter > of the eyes or precious stones
gem1652
sparkle1700
glitter1817
1700 J. Dryden To Dutchess of Ormond in Fables sig. A1v Inspir'd by two fair Eyes, that sparkled like your own.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia IV. viii. iii. 200 Her eyes sparkling with joy, and her cheeks glowing with pleasure.
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. ii. 52 His eyes sparkled, his frame was agitated.
1883 S. C. Hall Retrospect Long Life I. 323 A burly man..whose little eyes seemed always sparkling with unclerical humour.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > strong or eager desire > desire strongly or eagerly [verb (transitive)]
to gape uponc1340
galp1546
gape1552
to gape ata1586
to die for1591
ambition1601
raven1607
ambigate1633
ambitionate?c1642
ambiate1659
sparkle1665
to be for1673
efflagitate1676
greed1848
to be spoiling for1865
1665 R. Brathwait Comment Two Tales Chaucer (1901) 46 You tax me of pride, and tell me, high blood ever sparkles for good Cloathes.
II. transitive.
6. To cause to sparkle or glitter.In early use in past participle, and not quite separable from sparkle v.2 4.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (transitive)] > emit (fire, etc.) as or like sparks > cause to sparkle or glitter
sparkle1553
spangle1605
diamond1839
1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Hiiijv A mountayne, whose sande is sparkeled with gold.
1580 C. Hollyband Treasurie French Tong at Brochée A gowne all sparkeled with gold, or aglets.
1620 Abp. J. Williams Serm. Apparell 16 In picking their rockes for diamonds to sparkle him.
1809 W. Irving Hist. N.Y. II. vi. iii. 96 The jovial sun..sparkling the landscape with a thousand dewy gems.
a1854 Ld. Cockburn Memorials (1856) iv. 264 The war sparkled us with military gaiety and parade.
7.
a. To emit, eject, or throw out (fire, etc.) as or like sparks. Also transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (transitive)] > emit (fire, etc.) as or like sparks
twinklea1547
sparkle1590
spark1596
scintillate1809
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > emit > particles or sparks
spattera1586
sparkle1590
spark1596
sputter1598
spirtle1612
spatter1721
splatter1786
splutter1835
spurtle1858
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene iii. i. sig. Ccv The bright glister of their beames cleare Did sparckle forth great light.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost iv. iii. 327 Womens eyes..sparcle still the right promethean fier. View more context for this quotation
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 13 Mercury sparkeling his raies.
1652 J. Wright tr. J.-P. Camus Nature's Paradox x. 244 I fore-see then, replied Miestas (sparkling Fire out of his Eyes) that you and I must have a quarrell.
b. Of the eyes: To indicate or betoken (a feeling) by brightness or animation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > have (specific) appearance [verb (transitive)] > assume specific facial appearance or expression > of facial expression: indicate feeling, etc.
sparkle1601
illumea1764
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (transitive)] > by size, shape, etc.
sparkle1601
stain1831
wrinkle1841
bug1865
scrouge1909
scrooch1929
1601 J. Marston et al. Iacke Drums Entertainm. i. sig. B2v Your eye Sparkles not spirit as twas wont to doo.
1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iv. iii. sig. Hv Your eyes should sparkle ioy.
1682 C. Irvine Hist. Sc. Nomencl. Ded. *iv Our faces then shone with joy, and our eyes sparkled gladness.
c. In various figurative uses.
ΚΠ
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist iv. i. sig. H4 A certaine touch, or ayre, That sparkles a diuinitie, beyond An earthly beauty. View more context for this quotation
?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xviii. 311 Thy younger blood Did sparkle choicer spirits.
1667 O. Heywood Heart-treasure viii. 76 The working Forge of mens wicked hearts, doth sparkle forth suitable imaginations.
1743 E. Young Complaint: Night the Fifth 46 Her Gaiety..That like the Jews fam'd Oracle of Gems, Sparkles Instruction.
8. With down: To dispel (gloom) by cheerful behaviour or spirits.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > cheerfulness > make cheerful [verb (transitive)] > dispel (gloom)
sparkle1840
1840 Lady C. M. C. Bury Hist. Flirt iv His endeavours to sparkle down the gloom on his sister's countenance.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
sparklev.2
Obsolete or dialect.
1. intransitive. Of persons: To separate, scatter, or disperse. Frequently with abroad.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away [verb (intransitive)] > go away in all directions > be driven in all directions
to-flyc1000
to-drevea1225
sparplec1330
to-shedc1330
skaila1400
disparplec1400
scatterc1430
sparklec1440
shedc1485
disrout1525
disparkle1553
shattera1620
disperse1665
squander1823
c1440 Generydes 6049 A bak thei drewe, and sperkelyd her and þer.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 11 The other..were anon so discoraged, that they sparklid abrode.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. ccxix. 281 Than they sparcled abrode lyke men yt were discomfyted and chased.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 341 Assone as this proclamation was made, they sparkled abroade, euery man to their awne homes.
2. transitive. To cause to scatter or disperse; to drive in different directions. Also sparkle away (quot. 1703).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > causing to go away > command to go away [verb (transitive)] > drive away > drive away in all directions
to-driveOE
to-dreveOE
to-skairc1175
scattera1300
skaila1300
disparplea1325
sheda1325
discatterc1330
to-scattera1382
sparple1382
to-rusha1387
to-sparplea1387
deperpeyla1400
rat1402
sever1412
to-ratc1440
disparklec1449
scarkle1450
sparklea1470
disperse1503
shudderc1540
sparse1549
dissipate?c1550
to wap sindry1563
squander1622
rout1641
to feeze about1689
the mind > possession > relinquishing > squandering or prodigality > squander [verb (transitive)]
forspendc893
scatter1154
dispend1303
waste1340
misspendc1390
miswastec1400
consumec1425
waste1474
profund1527
lasha1535
prodige1538
lavish1542
to play away1562
riot1566
embezzle1578
dilapidate1590
squander1593
confound1598
to make ducks and drakes of or withc1600
prodigalize1611
profuse1611
squander1611
paddle1616
bezzle1617
to run out of ——1622
to piss away1628
prodigal1628
decoct1629
to bangle (away)1632
debauch1632
deboise1632
to fribble away1633
to fool out1635
to run outa1640
to fiddle away1667
slattera1681
dissipate1682
to play off1693
duck-and-drake1700
liquidate1702
sparkle away1703
waster1821
befool1861
to frivol away1866
to play (at) duck and drake with1872
to fling away1873
mislive1887
slather1904
mucker1928
profligate1938
peter1956
spaff2002
a1470 J. Hardyng Chron. clxxiv. iii Then went the kyng..and sparcled them then so That North they went.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xiv. 352 To thende ye maye gader agen togyder your folke that be soo sperkled abrode.
1506 in Memorials Hen. VII (1858) 282 All his other ships were sparkled, some to Rye..; some were drowned.
1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions i. ii. 31 They ware diuersely sparckled in diuers partes of the world.
a1625 J. Fletcher Loyal Subj. i. v, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ddd2/2 Beaten, and't please your Grace. And all his forces sparkled.
1703 R. Thoresby Let. 27 Apr. in J. Ray Corr. (1848) 427 Sparkle away, disperse, spend, waste.
1836 R. Wilbraham Attempt Gloss. Cheshire (ed. 2) 111 Sparkle,..to disperse.
3. in extended use.a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 104 The cure therof ys sparkylyd in the cure of al other.
a. To cast abroad; to scatter, sprinkle, or strew.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being scattered or dispersed > scatter [verb (transitive)] > scatter broadcast
shedc1000
sprengeOE
discatterc1330
shatterc1330
sowa1387
spilla1400
shadec1425
sparklec1440
scatter?c1450
distribute?c1510
sparse?1550
to cast seed1577
bescatter1859
to sow, scatter, throw, etc. broadcast1874
c1440 Gesta Romanorum xxvi. 100 And so is þe blode sperkelid aboute the cradil.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Conspergo, to scatter or sparcle about abundantly, to strawe.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. iii. f. 15v As thowgh mele had byn sparkeled throwgh owte al that sea.
b. dialect. To spatter (liquid, etc.) over one.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being scattered or dispersed > scatter [verb (transitive)] > sprinkle
warpc1000
sprengeOE
strenkc1175
springa1387
bespring1387
sprinkc1390
sprinklea1400
strinklec1400
springle?a1425
sprinkle?a1425
sprainc1440
bespreng1496
oversprinkle?1548
overstrew1570
besprent1573
insperse1587
insperge1599
asperse1607
besprink1609
disparple?1615
spark1637
swiggle1683
twirl1763
sparkle1787
bespatter1813
spray1829
the world > matter > liquid > liquid flow > action or process of splashing > splash [verb (transitive)] > bespatter > over or on
sparkle1787
skirp1871
1787 F. Grose Provinc. Gloss. (at cited word) He sparkled the water all over me.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 270 He rode so fast he sparkled the mud all over me.
4. figurative.1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1152/2 Such as had fresh wyttes sparcled with Gods grace.
a. To sprinkle, bestrew, or bespatter with (also in) something; to dot thickly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being scattered or dispersed > scatter [verb (transitive)] > sprinkle > sprinkle (a surface) with something
besprengc1000
strinklea1300
to-sprenga1382
sparkle14..
sprinkle?a1425
besprinklec1440
asperse1490
spray1527
asperge1547
pepper?1605
bepeps1622
conspergate1623
bescatter1631
spurtle1633
spatter1647
consperge1657
superfuse1657
bespatter1674
superseminate1699
asperge1721
sparge1786
spray1861
14.. Sir Beues 350 (Cambr. Ff. ii. 38) The chyldys clothys, ryche and gode, He had sparkylde with that blode.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde iii. xi. f. 162v The pauement of the temple is all sparcled with bludde.
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball 586 The fruite foloweth after, which is long, the outside thereof sparckled, and set full of little bowles or bosses.
1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes II. ix. 1495 Who being sparkled there~with, dieth by force of the poyson.
1630 B. O'Rourke in J. Smith True Travels sig. A6v To see bright honour sparkled all in gore, Would steele a spirit that ne're fought before.
b. technical. To overlay or daub with cement or the like. (Cf. sparkling n.2 2.)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > surfacing or cladding > clad or cover [verb (transitive)] > plaster > with specific material
daub1382
cloamc1460
rowcast1500
clay?1523
dab1577
roughcast1584
cloom1609
chunam1687
sparkle1805
harl1806
slub1823
1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. I. 89 Pan-tiling, with small-sized deal lath, and sparkled within side.
5. To disseminate or diffuse; to spread or circulate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > spreading or diffusion > [verb (transitive)] > specific something immaterial
sowc888
forspreada1300
breathea1425
diffusea1425
transfusec1425
sparkle?1533
seminate1535
enlarge1553
propagate1554
disperse1576
proseminate1619
disseminate1643
infusea1672
overpass1679
to set abroad1688
vulgate1851
?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Ei Of it to sparcle the beames through all the worlde.
a1547 Earl of Surrey tr. Virgil Certain Bks. Aenæis (1557) ii. sig. Aiv Lefull be it to sparcle in the ayre Their secretes all.
1577 R. Holinshed Hist. Scotl. 454/2 in Chron. I Ill seede of sedition, sparkled and scattered in the cruell ciuile warres before.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.c1330
v.1a1200v.214..- pike float
- pike haunt
- pike jump
- pike on the wind
- pike road
- pike sauce
- pike sucker
- pike ticket
- pike trap
- pike trolling
- pike wall
- pike whale
- pike-eyed
- pike-grey
- pike-hammer
- pike-handle
- pike-head
- pike-headed
- pike-headed alligator
- pike-headed whale
- pike-keeper
- pike-length
- photogalvanic
- photogalvanograph
- photogalvanographic