King James Bible Dictionary

About nine or ten inches.
Exodus 28:16; Exodus 39:9

SPAN, noun [This word is formed on the root of bend, Latin pando. The primary sense is to strain, stretch, extend, hence to join a team.]

1. The space from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; the eighth of a fathom.

2. A short space of time. Life's but a span; I'll every inch enjoy.

3. A span of horses, consists of two of nearly the same color, and otherwise nearly alike, which are usually harness side by side. The word signifies properly the same as yoke, when applied to horned cattle, from buckling or fastening together. But in America, span always implies resemblance in color at least; it being an object of ambition with gentlemen and with teamters to unite two horses abreast that are alike.

4. In seamen's language, a small line or cord, the middle of which is attached to a stay.

SPAN, verb transitive

1. To measure by the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.

2. To measure. This soul doth span the world.

SPAN, verb intransitive To agree in color, or in color and size; as, the horses span well. [New England.]

SPAN, pert. of spin. We now use spun.

SPAN'CEL, verb transitive To tie the legs of a horse or cow with a rope .

SPAN'COUNTER, SPAN'F'ARTING, noun A play at which within a span or circuit marked.

SPAN'DREL, noun The space between the curve of an arch and the right lines inclosing it.

SPANE, verb transitive To wean, [Not in use.]

SPAN'COUNTER, SPAN'F'ARTING, noun A play at which within a span or circuit marked.

SPANG, noun A spangle or shining ornament; a thin piece of shining metal; something brilliant used as an ornament.

2. An y little thing sparkling and brilliant like pieces of metal; as crystals of ice. For the rich spangles that adorn the sky.

SPAN'GLE, verb transitive To set or sprinkle with spangles; to adorn with small distinct brilliant bodies; as a spangled breastplate. What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty-

SPAN'GLED, participle passive Set with spangles.

SPAN'GLING, participle present tense Adorning with spangles.

SPAN'IEL, noun

1. A dog used in sports of the field, remarkable for his sagacity and obedience.

2. A mean, cringing, fawning person.

SPAN'IEL, adjective Like a spaniel; mean; fawning.

SPAN'IEL, verb intransitive TO fawn; to cringe; to be obsequious.

SPAN'IEL, verb transitive To follow like a spaniel

SPAN'ISH, adjective Pertaining to Spain.

SPAN'ISH, noun The language of Spain.

SPANISH-BROOM, noun A plant of the genus Spartium.

SPANISH-BROWN, noun A species of earth used in paints.

SPANISH-FLY, noun A fly or insect, the cantharis used in vesicatories, or composition for raising blisters.

SPANISH-NUT, noun A plant.

SPANISH-WHITE, noun A white earth from Spain, used in paints.

SPANK, verb transitive To strike with the open hand; to slap [A word common in New England.]

SPANK'ER, noun

1. A small coin.

2. In seamen's language, a ship driver; a large sail occasionally set upon the mizenyard or gaff, the foot being extended by a boom.

3. One that takes long strides in walking; also a stout person.

SPANK'ING, participle present tense

1. Striking with the open hand

2. adjective Large; stout. [Vulgar.]

SPAN'-LONG, adjective Of the length of a span.

SPAN'NED, participle passive Measured with the hand.

SPAN'NER, noun

1. One that spans.

2. The lock of a fusee or carbine; or the fusee itself.

3. A wrench or nut screw-driver.

SPAN'-NEW, adjective Quite new; probably bright-new.

SPAN'NING, participle present tense Measuring with the hand; encompassing with the fingers.