Definition of "spats" [spats]

• Plural form of spat. (noun)
• A stiff legging worn over the instep and ankles of a shoe (noun)
• Similar device for horses (noun)
• Long hair on front of lower legs of heavier horses (over the hooves), especially draft horses, notably the Clydesdale breed. (noun)

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• "In any case, it'd be good to see a leader in spats again."
• "But the intellectual property specialists do little service to the promotion of the general understanding of their field by engaging in spats like those mentioned above."
• "And just think, a few miles to the south, the Anaheim Angels have been self-destructing all season, with players in spats with players, players in spats with the manager, coaches in spats with the general manager, and the tight-fisted and hoping-to-be-squeaky-clean Disney ownership looking to bail out."