The term 'used a spade' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: dug (3 letters) and SHOVELED (8 letters). A spade is a tool used for digging, consisting of a flat blade attached to a handle. It is used to dig up soil, break up hard surfaces, and move materials such as gravel or snow. Digging with a spade requires more effort than using a shovel, but it is more precise and can be used in tighter spaces. Shoveling is the act of using a shovel to move material such as soil, snow, or gravel.