|
(), archaic imp. & p. p. of Spin. Span n.[AS. spann; akin to D. span, OHG. spanna, G. spanne, Icel. spnn. 170. See Span, v. t. ] 1. The space from the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a fathom. 2. Hence, a small space or a brief portion of time. Yet not to earth's contracted span Thy goodness let me bound. Pope. Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy. Farquhar. 3. The spread or extent of an arch between its abutments, or of a beam, girder, truss, roof, bridge, or the like, between its supports. 4. (Naut.) A rope having its ends made fast so that a purchase can be hooked to the bight; also, a rope made fast in the center so that both ends can be used. 5. [Cf. D. span, Sw. spann, Dan. spnd, G. gespann. See Span, v. t. ] A pair of horses or other animals driven together; usually, such a pair of horses when similar in color, form, and action. Span blocks (Naut.), blocks at the topmast and topgallant-mast heads, for the studding-sail halyards. Span counter, an old English child Span (), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Spanned (); p. pr. & vb. n.Spanning.] [AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spnna, Dan. spnde, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. 170. Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.] 1. To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder. My right hand hath spanned the heavens. Isa. xiviii. 13. 2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch. The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. prescott. 3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble. Span v. i.To be matched, as horses. [U. S.] スポンサード リンク
|