subs. (American).—1. A slap; a light blow; and (2) = a petty quarrel; a snarling-match. Also as verb. = (1) to slap; and (2) to dispute, to quarrel. [WEBSTER: ‘A low word.’]
1870. JUDD, Margaret, xvi. The little Isabel leaped up and down SPATTING her hands.
1871. H. B. STOWE, Oldtown Fireside Stories, 33, ‘The Sullivan Looking-Glass.’ They was pretty apt to have SPATS.
1887. AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT, Notes and Queries, 12 March, 206. A SPAT between the feminine heads of two families.
