n. [ From Spring, v. i.: cf. G. sprenkel, Prov. E. springle. ] A noose fastened to an elastic body, and drawn close with a sudden spring, whereby it catches a bird or other animal; a gin; a snare. [ 1913 Webster ]

As a woodcock to mine own springe. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To catch in a springe; to insnare. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ OE. sprengen. See Sprinkle. ] To sprinkle; to scatter. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

He would sowen some difficulty,
Or springen cockle in our cleane corn. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, springs; specifically, one who rouses game. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A young plant. [ Obs. ] Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) (a) The impost, or point at which an arch rests upon its support, and from which it seems to spring. Hence: (b) The bottom stone of an arch, which lies on the impost. The skew back is one form of springer. (c) The rib of a groined vault, as being the solid abutment for each section of vaulting. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Zool.) The grampus. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Zool.) A variety of the field spaniel. See Spaniel. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Zool.) A species of antelope; the springbok. [ 1913 Webster ]