(spād) noun
1. An implement used for digging in the ground, ditching, cutting turf, etc., heavier than a shovel and having a flatter blade.
2. A tool or implement resembling a spade; specifically, a large chisel–like implement for flensing whales.
3. A heavy piece of metal at the end of a gun–carriage trail which helps to keep the carriage in position when the gun recoils.
—to call a spade a spade To call a thing by its right name; speak the plain, uncompromising truth.
—v.t. spad·ed, spad·ing To dig or cut with a spade. [OE spadu]
—spade′ful noun
—spad′er noun

(spād) noun
1. A figure, resembling a heart with a triangular handle, on a playing card.
2. A card so marked.
3. The suit of cards so marked: usually in the plural. [<Sp. espada a sword <L spatha <Gk. spathē]