Spoke, n.
1. The radius or ray of a wheel; one of the small bars which are inserted in the hub, or nave, and which serve to support the rim or felly.
2. Naut. A projecting handle of a steering wheel.
3. A rung, or round, of a ladder.
4. A contrivance for fastening the wheel of a vehicle, to prevent it from turning in going down a hill.
To put a spoke in one's wheel, to thwart or obstruct one in the execution of some design.