Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A ball of paper chewed to a pulp and then projected (usually by a schoolchild at the ceiling).

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Like snarky, spit-ball throwing kid at the back of the classroom, Guy Benson blogs on Breitbart's Biggovernment. com:

    Charles D. Ellison: Shirley Sherrod, Black Farmers and the 2010 Racial World Cup 2010

  • In throwing the spit-ball a pitcher throws overhand and brings his arm straight down.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Of course, it is not a strike at all in such a case, but in nine cases out of ten, when the batter sees a swift, erratic, spit-ball coming toward him with all the earmarks of a perfect strike, he will hit at it with his whole strength and be properly angry when the ball ducks his swing and dives below his knees.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Walter Johnson: Walsh, in my opinion, has solved the great secret of throwing the spit-ball.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Grimes: I believe I could get by without the spit-ball, provided I took time to develop a good curve.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Walter Johnson: Walsh, in my opinion, has solved the great secret of throwing the spit-ball.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Of course, it is not a strike at all in such a case, but in nine cases out of ten, when the batter sees a swift, erratic, spit-ball coming toward him with all the earmarks of a perfect strike, he will hit at it with his whole strength and be properly angry when the ball ducks his swing and dives below his knees.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • Grimes: I believe I could get by without the spit-ball, provided I took time to develop a good curve.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • “… I never use the spit-ball myself and have no intention of trying at present.”

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

  • In throwing the spit-ball a pitcher throws overhand and brings his arm straight down.

    The Neyer/James Guide To Pitchers Bill James Rob Neyer 2004

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