Spare, a. [Compar. Sparer superl. Sparest; -- not used in all the senses of the word.]
1. Scanty; not abundant or plentiful; as, a spare diet.
2. Sparing; frugal; parsimonious; chary.
He was spare, but discreet of speech. --Carew.
3. Being over and above what is necessary, or what must be used or reserved; not wanted, or not used; superfluous; as, I have no spare time.
If that no spare clothes he had to give. --Spenser.
4. Held in reserve, to be used in an emergency; as, a spare anchor; a spare bed or room.
5. Lean; wanting flesh; meager; thin; gaunt.
O, give me the spare men, and spare me the great ones. --Shak.
6. Slow. [Obs. or prov. Eng.]