inspan

[ in-span ]

verb (used with object)

, South Africa.

, in·spanned, in·span·ning.

1. to yoke or harness.

inspan

/ ɪnˈspæn /

verb

1. to harness (animals) to (a vehicle); yoke
2. to press (people) into service

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspan¹

From Afrikaans, dating back to 1825–35; in- ¹, span ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of inspan¹

C19: from Afrikaans, from Middle Dutch inspannen, from spannen to stretch, yoke; see span ¹

Example Sentences

And he ordered a trooper to gallop back to the camp with instructions to saddle up and inspan immediately.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate the sooner we took the road again the better, and so I announced to Falkner that we would inspan at sunrise.

From Project Gutenberg

But of this valiant offer John Dawes, who was giving orders to inspan, took no immediate notice.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she ordered them to inspan the waggon, and this was done quickly, for the oxen lay tied to the trek-tow.

From Project Gutenberg

He immediately ordered his men to inspan and saddle their horses.

From Project Gutenberg