spoor

Definition

The track, trail, droppings, or scent of an animal.

Etymology

Early 19th century, from Afrikaans spoor, from Dutch spoor (“track”). Akin to Old English and Old Norse spor (whence Danish spor), and German Spur, all from Proto-Germanic *spurą. Compare spurn.

Example Sentences

• "We all stopped to examine that monstrous spoor. If it were indeed a bird - and what animal could leave such a mark? - its foot was so much larger than an ostrich's that its height upon the same scale must be enormous."
• "Even poor Nobs appeared dejected as we quit the compound and set out upon the well-marked spoor of the abductor."
• "Now he has picked up the spoor of drunken vomit and there is the doll sprawled against a wall, his pants streaked with urine."