“Technology stocks took a fresh battering after a spate of US profit warnings spread gloom across world financial markets.”

“At the edge of the burn, where the path turns downward, there is a patch of shingle washed up by some spate.”

“Frau von Bergen received a spate of compliments on the unalloyed success of her première.”

“That night saw one of the most ferocious spates of rioting in living memory.”

“If I know aught of Highland spates, they will both be down in the hour and fishable.”

“A stir was caused in 1044 when two kings, in some dispute over the bell, went on spates of prisoner taking and cattle theft.”