spoor
/spʊə
/ /spɔː /noun
1The track or scent of an animal: they searched around the hut for a spoor [mass noun]: the trail is marked by wolf spoor...
- As it was vanishing on the hill-tops, a group of enthusiasts preferred to forgo arguing and, grasping their spears, were soon busy tracking its spoor on the soft soil in the crevices among the boulders.
- The spoor was fresher, and the side trails of the leopard's continued presence in the area told them they were approaching her lair.
- On the windowsill, the pigeon is gone, but it has left its spoor.
1.1South African The track of a wagon or motor vehicle.
verb [with object]
Follow the track or scent of (an animal or person): taking the spear, he set off to spoor the man...
- The three bulls, according to the natives, had been spoored into the dense patch of bush above the kloof.
- But those who have spoored him across the country on his speaking engagements say he is a deeply moralistic man who feels strongly about principles and public conduct.
- Game is spoored, stalked and watched under supervision of experienced guides.
Derivatives
spoorer
- He soon became an expert spoorer and hunter of all types of game, especially antelope.
- They were invaluable as guides, first-rate spoorers, had extraordinary knowledge of edible roots and herbs, and under almost any circumstances would not starve.
Origin
Early 19th century: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch spor, of Germanic origin.