How Do You Spell SPALE?

1. In Scot., a lath; a chip; a shaving of wood.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SPALE

The word "spale" is of Scottish origin and has a relatively complex etymology. It derives from the Middle English word "spail" or "spale", which meant a wooden splinter or chip. This Middle English term can be traced back to the Old Norse word "spele", meaning "splinter" or "slat".

In early usage, "spale" referred specifically to a splinter of wood used for various purposes such as building, fencing, or thatching. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include a thin wooden board or a strip of wood used as a barrier or structure, particularly in Scottish dialects.

Today, the word "spale" is primarily used in Scottish and Northern English dialects to refer to a long, thin, and usually flat implement, such as a wooden shovel or paddle.