rare. [f. SPITTLE sb.3] trans. To dig (in), to pare, etc., with a spittle. Hence Spittling vbl. sb.
1727. S. Switzer, Pract. Gard., 158. Dig it into the ground, but not deep, only just spittle it in, as gardiners term it.
1807. T. Rudge, View Agric. Glouc., 155. About the beginning of June,… they [sc. plants] are ‘spittled,’ that is, the workman, with a … small spade, turns over the surface mould carefully between every plant. Ibid., 156. Spittling generally costs a guinea and a half an acre.
1828. Carr, Craven Gloss., Spittle, to pare off the surface of the ground.
