1. (

• bicker ,
• bickering ,
• spat ,
• tiff ,
• squabble ,
• pettifoggery ,
• fuss

) a quarrel about petty points ;

2. (

• spat ,
• gaiter ,

) a cloth covering (a legging) that covers the instep and ankles ;

3. (

• spat

) a young oyster or other bivalve ;

1. (

• spat

) come down like raindrops; "Bullets were spatting down on us" ;

2. (

• spat ,

) become permanently attached; "mollusks or oysters spat" ;

3. (

• spat

) strike with a sound like that of falling rain; "Bullets were spatting the leaves" ;

4. (

• applaud ,
• clap ,
• spat ,
• acclaim ,

) clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval ;

5. (

• spat

) engage in a brief and petty quarrel ;

6. (

• spat ,

) spawn; "oysters spat" ;

7. (

• clap ,
• spat

) clap one's hands together; "The children were clapping to the music" ;