It is not so apt to spire up as the other sorts, being
more inclined to branch into arms. --Mortimer.
2. (Geom.) The part of a spiral generated in one revolution
of the straight line about the pole. See {Spiral}, n.
{Spire bearer}. (Paleon.) Same as {Spirifer}.
An oak cometh up a little spire. --Chaucer.
2. A tapering body that shoots up or out to a point in a
conical or pyramidal form. Specifically (Arch.), the roof
of a tower when of a pyramidal form and high in proportion
to its width; also, the pyramidal or aspiring termination
of a tower which can not be said to have a roof, such as
that of Strasburg cathedral; the tapering part of a
steeple, or the steeple itself. ``With glistering spires
and pinnacles adorned.'' --Milton.
A spire of land that stand apart, Cleft from the
main. --Tennyson.
Tall spire from which the sound of cheerful bells
Just undulates upon the listening ear. --Cowper.
3. (Mining) A tube or fuse for communicating fire to the
chargen in blasting.
4. The top, or uppermost point, of anything; the summit.
The spire and top of praises. --Shak.