outspan

American  

[out-span, out-span] / ˌaʊtˈspæn, ˈaʊtˌspæn /

verb (used with object)

outspanned, outspanning

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

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verb (used without object)

outspanned, outspanning

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

noun

1. the act or a place of outspanning.

outspan British  

noun

1. an area on a farm kept available for travellers to rest and refresh animals

2. the act of unharnessing or unyoking

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verb

1. (tr) to unharness or unyoke (animals)

2. (intr) to relax

Etymology

Origin of outspan

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

Example Sentences

When the boys would outspan and get things in readiness for meals, our hunger from the open-air life would be so great that we could scarcely wait while they made the fire for coffee.

From Yankee Girls in Zulu Land by Vescelius-Sheldon, Louise

One night, after a day’s journey through the bush-veldt, we lay at a farmhouse, near which was a public outspan.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

At every outspan place could be seen the remains of the fires lit by the fugitive.

From A Vendetta of the Desert by Scully, W. C. (William Charles)

Heron had decided to outspan where they were, under a big Dingaan apricot-tree, and the ladies were busy making plans for the disposal of cushions, wraps, and rugs to fend off the coming rain.

From The Outspan Tales of South Africa by Fitzpatrick, Percy, Sir

Lilian, however, forgot her fatigue, as after the next outspan they wended up the rugged, but picturesque bush-road, in the golden light of the waning afternoon.

From The Fire Trumpet A Romance of the Cape Frontier by Mitford, Bertram