spreader n
1 A stick used to keep strip of fatty meat from contracting during cooking.
1872 HOWLEY MS Reminiscences 7 Another small stick notched at each end was used as a spreader to keep the sheet of [beaver] meat extended and prevent its shrinking up by the head [in cooking]. This spreader was placed on the outside and extended from the upper to the lower skewer, which were caught by the notched ends. The meat was very fat.
2 A pole used on small sailing craft as a substitute for gaff or boom; SPREAD n (P 243-55).
3 Comb spreader buoy, ~ pole: wooden stick used to keep the ends of a gill-net apart (Q 67-4; P 135-74).
