Spare, a. [Compar.Sparer (?); superl.Sparest; — not used in all the senses of the word.] [AS. spær sparing. Cf. Spare, v. t.] 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. Grose.