1. Making the motions of attack and defence with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer
   "The boxers engaged in light sparring to warm up before the match";
   - spar
    
2. An argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage
   "The debate devolved into verbal sparring between the candidates"; "Their friendly sparring over dinner topics kept the conversation lively"

1. Box lightly
   "The fighters sparred to warm up before the main event"
    
2. Fight verbally
   "They were sparring all night"
    
3. Fight with spars
   "the gamecocks were sparring"
    
4. Furnish with spars
   "The sailing boat was sparred with lightweight aluminium masts"

Derived forms: sparrings

Type of: argue, arguing, argument, box, boxing, contend, contention, contestation, controversy, debate, disceptation, disputation, equip, fence, fight, fisticuffs, fit, fit out, outfit, pugilism, struggle, tilt

Encyclopedia: Sparring