spur in WordNet English dictionary

1. any sharply pointed projection
   spur  spine  acantha 
   
2. a railway line connected to a trunk line
   branch line  spur track  spur 
   
3. a sharp prod fixed to a rider's heel and used to urge a horse onward
   "cowboys know not to squat with their spurs on"
   spur  gad 
   
4. a verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
   "the ceaseless prodding got on his nerves"
   goad  goading  prod  prodding  urging  spur  spurring 
   
5. tubular extension at the base of the corolla in some flowers
   spur 
   

1. give heart or courage to
   spur  goad 
   
2. goad with spurs
   "the rider spurred his horse"
   spur 
   
3. equip with spurs
   "spur horses"
   spur 
   
4. strike with a spur
   spur 
   
5. incite or stimulate
   "The Academy was formed to spur research"
   spur