Hypertext Webster Gateway: "sparring"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Spar \Spar\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sparred}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Sparring}.] [Of uncertain origin; cf. OF. esparer to kick,
F. ['e]parer, or Icel. sperra to stretch out the legs, to
struggle.]
1. To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do.
2. To use the fists and arms scientifically in attack or
defense; to contend or combat with the fists, as for
exercise or amusement; to box.
Made believe to spar at Paul with great science.
--Dickens.
3. To contest in words; to wrangle. [Colloq.]
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
sparring
n 1: an argument in which the participants are trying to gain
some advantage
2: making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and
arms; a part of training for a boxer
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