1660s, "having spikes," from Latin spicatus, past participle of spicare "to furnish with spikes," from spica (see spike (n.2)).
"ear of grain," c. 1300, from Latin spica "ear of grain," from PIE *spei-ko-, from suffixed form of root *spei- "sharp point" (see spine).
updated on November 06, 2013
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