What is referred to by 'a spineless portuguese creature'?

Based on the clue 'a spike driving contest is a feature of the railro...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spike on the bottom of an athletic shoe', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spiky sea critter or a mischievous boy', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spinal tap is done to obtain this abbreviated cs...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spingarn medal a pres medal of freedom are amon...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spinner in a car theft ring is the man who sets ...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spinning regulator that smoothes the operation o...', what is the answer? Based on the clue 'a spinning toy or the location of this clue in the...', what is the answer?