dial. Also 8 spault. [prob. ad. Du. and Flem. spalte (WFris. spjalte), = G. spalzen, related to SPALD v.] intr. and trans. To split, tear, splinter, etc. Hence Spalting vbl. sb.
1733. Tull, Horse-Hoeing Husb., xx. 291. It Spaults up from below the Staple. Ibid., 296. The Danger of tearing (or spaulting) up of the Under-Stratum along with the Staple.
1854. Miss Baker, Northampt. Gloss., Spalt,… to chip, to splint. Ibid., Spaltings, branches of trees that are broken off, or riven by the wind.
1876. Surrey Gloss., s.v., I must get a mattick,… and spalt they old stubs off.
