spanning

1 definition found

spanning - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Span \Span\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanned; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Spanning.] [AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG.
     spannan, Sw. sp[aum]nna, Dan. spaende, Icel. spenna, and
     perh. to Gr. ? to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. [root]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.
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              My right hand hath spanned the heavens. --Isa.
                                                    xiviii. 13.
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     2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as
        an arch.
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              The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry.
                                                    --prescott.
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     3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.
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