Also 6, 8 sparto. [a. Sp. esparto:—L. spartum, ad. Gr. σπάρτον a rope made of σπάρτος, either the same plant or Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum).] A kind of rush (Macrochloa or Stipa tenacissima), called by some Spanish grass, imported from Spain and the north coast of Africa, for manufacture into paper. In ancient times it was, and in Spain is still, made into cordage, shoes, and other articles. Also called esparto grass.
[1591. Percivall, Sp. Dict., Esparto … a kinde of tree whereof they make frailes.
1779. H. Swinburne, Trav. Spain, ii. 6. Making ropes, baskets, and shoes, of a small rush or reed called esparto.]
1868. Q. Rev., No. 248. 356. Printed upon paper made from esparto alone.
1883. Pall Mall Gaz., 11 Sept., 9/1. At Lloyd’s paper mills, Sittingbourne, the heavy iron cover of a boiler used for boiling esparto and straw blew off.
attrib. 1791. J. Townsend, Journ. Spain, III. 130. The esparto rush makes good mats for houses.
1878. Hooker & Ball, Marocco, 335. Large bales of esparto grass … from the adjoining province of Haba.
1888. Pall Mall Gaz., 27 Oct., 9/1. An esparto boiler burst in the North of Ireland Paper Mills.
