Spoke, n. [OE. spoke, spake, AS. spāca; akin to D. speek, LG. speke, OHG. speihha, G. speiche. √170. Cf. Spike a nail.] 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.