GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   Span (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spanning.] [AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spänna, Dan. spaende, 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.”
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   My right hand hath spanned the heavens. Isa. xiviii. 13.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
   2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. prescott.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
   3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.
   
   [1913 Webster]