n. In gold-mining. See quotation.The word is used in England, applied to coal-mining.
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Miner's Right,' c. iii. p. 23:
«A `sprag,' being a stout piece of hard wood, was insertedbetween the rope and the iron roller on which the rope ran.»
·adj ·see <<Sprack>>, ·adj. II. Sprag ·noun A young salmon. III. Sprag ·vt To prop or sustain with...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
lively, active. ...
A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose