[f. LOCK sb.2 or v.1 + SPIT a turf.] (See quots.) Hence Lockspit v. trans., to mark out (ground) by a ‘lockspit’; Lockspitting vbl. sb.
1649–50. Ogilby, trans. Virgil, V. (1654), 319, marg. Sets out the Circuit with a Plough, which we call Lock-spitting.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., Lock-spit, a Term in Fortification, signifying the small Cut or Trench made with a Spade, to mark out the first Lines of any Work that is to be made.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., Lockspit, among miners, is the small cut or trench made with a spade of about a foot wide, to mark out the first lines of a work.
1889. N. W. Linc. Gloss., Lockspit, a breadth of earth taken from the bottom of a drain of the same width as an ordinary draining tool. Ibid., s.v., I lockspitted her oot fra one end to t’uther.
