outspan

[ verb out-span; noun out-span ]

verb (used with object)

, out·spanned, out·span·ning.

1. to unyoke or unhitch, as oxen from a wagon.

verb (used without object)

, out·spanned, out·span·ning.

1. to remove the yoke, harness, etc., from animals.

noun

1. the act or a place of outspanning.

outspan

noun

1. an area on a farm kept available for travellers to rest and refresh animals
2. the act of unharnessing or unyoking

verb

1. tr to unharness or unyoke (animals)
2. intr to relax

Word History and Origins

Origin of outspan¹

1815–25; translation of Afrikaans uitspan; out-, span ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of outspan¹

C19: partial translation of Afrikaans uitspan, from uit out + spannen to stretch

Example Sentences

One of the waggons had been loaded up in the morning and sent on to the outspan; the other was ready by sundown.

From Project Gutenberg

The principle of the road is always outspan on the other side of a drift—that is, the opposite side from the one you arrive at.

From Project Gutenberg

Saddling up the horse that remained and giving orders where the waggons were to outspan, Dawes cantered away into the veldt.

From Project Gutenberg

“We had better get on and find our outspan,” said Dawes, after the momentary silence which had fallen upon the pair.

From Project Gutenberg

Ralph and Suzanne reached their outspan place in safety a little before sunset.

From Project Gutenberg