Spu"ri*ous (?), a. [L. spurius.]

1.

Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; false; adulterate.

2.

Not legitimate; bastard; as, spurious issue.

"Her spurious firstborn."

Milton.

Spurious primary, ∨ Spurious quill Zool., the first, or outer, primary quill when rudimentary or much reduced in size, as in certain singing birds. -- Spurious wing Zool., the bastard wing, or alula.

Syn. -- Counterfeit; false; adulterate; supposititious; fictitious; bastard.

-- Spu"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Spu"ri*ous*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.