sprig

Etymology

From Middle English sprig, sprigge, of uncertain origin. Compare dialectal English sprag (“sprig, twig”), Old English spræc (“a shoot”), German Low German Spricke, Sprick (“dry branch, twig”).

noun

1. A small shoot or twig of a tree or other plant; a spray.
   a sprig of laurel or of parsley
2. An ornament resembling a small shoot or twig.
3. One of the separate pieces of lace fastened on a ground in applique lace.
4. (humorous, sometimes mildly derogatory) A youth; a lad.
5. A brad, or nail without a head.
6. A small eyebolt ragged or barbed at the point.
7. A house sparrow.

verb

1. To decorate with sprigs, or with representations of sprigs, as in embroidery or pottery.