Dictionary.com

outspan

[ verb out-span; noun out-span ]
/ verb ˌaʊtˈspæn; noun ˈaʊtˌspæn /
South African English
Save This Word!

verb (used with object), out·spanned, out·span·ning.
to unyoke or unhitch, as oxen from a wagon.
verb (used without object), out·spanned, out·span·ning.
to remove the yoke, harness, etc., from animals.
noun
the act or a place of outspanning.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of outspan

1815–25; translation of Afrikaans uitspan;see out-, span2
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use outspan in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for outspan

outspan
/ Southern African /

noun (ˈaʊtˌspæn)
an area on a farm kept available for travellers to rest and refresh animals
the act of unharnessing or unyoking
verb (ˌaʊtˈspæn) -spans, -spanning or -spanned
(tr) to unharness or unyoke (animals)
(intr) to relax

Word Origin for outspan

C19: partial translation of Afrikaans uitspan, from uit out + spannen to stretch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK