back sprent

[Eng. back, and Scotch sprent a spring; anything elastic.] 1. The backbone. "And tou'lt worstle a fa' wi' I, tou sal kenn what chaunce too he , far I hae found the backs prents o' the maist part of a' the wooers she has."-Hogg: Wint. Tales , 1. 272. 2. A reel for winding yarn, which rises as the reel goes round and gives a check in falling, to direct the person employed in reeling to distinguish the quantity by the regulated knots. 3. The spring or catch which falls down and enters the lock of a chest. 4. The spring in the back of a clasp-knife. ( Jamie son .)