I.a. [Sanscr. shtiv.; Gr. πτύω; Germ. speien; Engl. spit], to spit, to spit out, spew (very rare; not in Cic.).
I. Neutr.: “Antoniam Drusi non spuisse percelebre est,” Sol. 1, § 74: “ex toto spuere desisse,” Cels. 2, 8, § 77: “in faciem alicujus,” Vulg. Num. 12, 14.—Esp., as a charm against fascination, etc. (cf. conspuo, I. fin.): “veniam a deis petimus spuendo in sinum,” Plin. 28, 4, 7, § 35; cf.: “qui sputatur morbus,” Plaut. Capt. 3, 4, 18 sqq. Brix ad loc.; Schol. Juv. 7, 112 Mayor ad loc.—
II. Act.: “sicco terram (i. e. pulverem) spuit ore viator Aridus,” Verg. G. 4, 97.—Hence, spūtum , i, n. (acc. to II.).
A. Lit., spit, spittle; sing., Cels. 2, 8 med.; Plin. 28, 4, 7, § 38; plur., Lucr. 6, 1188; Prop. 4 (5), 5, 66; Mart. 2, 26, 2; Petr. 131, 4; Sen. Const. 1, 3.—
B. Transf., of a light, thin plate, Mart. 8, 33, 11.