Obs. Also spretious, sprecious. [See GOD sb. 14 a and PRECIOUS a. 2 b.] Shortened form of Gods precious used as an asseveration or oath.
1610. B. Jonson, Alch., II. i. Sprecious!What do you mean? Ibid. (1614), Barth. Fair, I. v. To seeke mee? Spretiousto seeke me!
1632. Brome, Crt. Beggar, II. i. Sprecious! How now! my Fob has been fubd to-day of six pieces.