Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Old English: "sporn" (meaning "spur")
* Proto-Germanic: "*spurną" (meaning "to kick, to spur")
* Proto-Indo-European: "*spurn-" (meaning "to kick, to push")
The word "spur" has evolved over time, but its core meaning has remained linked to the idea of kicking or pushing.
The word "spur" came to mean the metal device used to stimulate a horse into action because:
1. Early spurs were sharp: Their primary purpose was to jab the horse's flanks, causing discomfort and prompting it to move forward. This mirrored the concept of "kicking" or "pushing".
2. Spurs were attached to the rider's heel: This location facilitated the rider's use of their leg and foot to "spur" the horse on.
The word "spur" then expanded to include other meanings related to stimulating or encouraging action, as in "a spur to the imagination" or "a spur to creativity". This is because a literal spur was a tool used to motivate and incite action in a horse.
The origin of the word "spur" demonstrates how language can evolve to reflect both its original meaning and its connection to new contexts and concepts.