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spitball

[ spit-bawl ]

/ ˈspɪtˌbɔl /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR spitball ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a small ball or lump of chewed paper used as a missile.

Also called spitter. Baseball. a pitch, now illegal, made to curve by moistening one side of the ball with saliva or perspiration.

Origin of spitball

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; spit¹ + ball¹

Words nearby spitball

spit in the ocean, spit take, spit up, spit-shine, spital, spitball, spitballer, spitchcock, spite, spite fence, spiteful

Example sentences from the Web for spitball

Then take a wrapped straw, unwrap it, tear off a little piece of paper and make a spitball.

Why the Biathlon Makes Bonds of Us All |Brett Singer |February 16, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
I thought I could go through the motion of throwing a spitball without letting it go.

The Iron Puddler |James J. Davis
But the very first "spitball" which spattered upon the blackboard proved a disastrous missile for its thrower.

Cy Whittaker's Place |Joseph C. Lincoln
There are also other modifications called "the fade away," "the spitball," and others.

Outdoor Sports and Games |Claude H. Miller

He had never cared for the spitball, as he knew that sooner or later it destroyed a pitchers effectiveness.

Baseball Joe, Home Run King |Lester Chadwick
Hooper was a spitball artist, and his moist slants kept the Giants guessing in the early part of the game.

Baseball Joe, Home Run King |Lester Chadwick