inspan
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to harness (animals) to (a vehicle); yoke
-
to press (people) into service
Etymology
Origin of inspan
From Afrikaans, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at in- 1, span 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Stephanus always let them rest in the heat of the day; in the evening he would inspan and then push on through the cool hours of the night.
From A Vendetta of the Desert by W. C. (William Charles) Scully
Hither, having bidden good-bye to the Suffields, without waiting to see them inspan, he adjourned, and, in company with a solitary pipe, fell into a train of thought.
From A Veldt Official A Novel of Circumstance by Bertram Mitford
Then in the most matter-of-fact way, John Dawes gave orders to inspan.
From The Luck of Gerard Ridgeley by Bertram Mitford
An hour afterwards, when his wounds had been looked to, the order was given to inspan.
From The Golden Rock by Ernest Glanville
I gave orders at once to inspan, returning a curt negative to Magebe’s inquiries as to whether I would not stop and trade.
From A Frontier Mystery by Bertram Mitford
The passengers looked on while the natives inspanned the lean reluctant team, the leader of which, despite a sorry appearance, showed signs of temper, which caused the elderly woman passenger considerable alarm.
From The Stronger Influence by F.E. Mills Young
The oxen were inspanned accordingly, there being just daylight enough for the purpose.
From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by H.C. Adams
They then told her how they had passed the time, and when they had finished, the waggon was inspanned and the journey resumed.
From The Golden Rock by Ernest Glanville
Next morning we were inspanned and on our way by dawn.
From Adventures in Swaziland The Story of a South African Boer by Owen Rowe O'Neil
Eight handsome horses were inspanned, and two Malay drivers, one to handle the long whip, were seated on the box; our luggage was fastened on behind with reins.
From Yankee Girls in Zulu Land by Louise Vescelius-Sheldon
Then, when the Force had sufficiently rested, there was saddling up and inspanning, and soon after midday the column pulled out.
From Forging the Blades A Tale of the Zulu Rebellion by Bertram Mitford
Then his sisters declared that he had better see about inspanning, for it was time they were getting home.
From Aletta A Tale of the Boer Invasion by Bertram Mitford
Glancing up, they saw Schoverling and the gun-bearers catching up their weapons, while the natives were leading the cattle away from the wagon, the inspanning having already begun for the march.
From The Rogue Elephant The Boys' Big Game Series by Fred J. Arting
“Trek!” he cried, when the inspanning was completed.
From The Luck of Gerard Ridgeley by Bertram Mitford
But inspanning a pair of horses was, to his experienced hand, the work of a very few minutes indeed.
From 'Tween Snow and Fire A Tale of the Last Kafir War by Bertram Mitford
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