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; see out-, span ²

Example Sentences

That happened four and thirty years ago, in 1857, in the Marico country, within less than sixty miles of this very outspan.

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

I found Mungo a long way on, brought to a standstill by the slipping of his load; and we caught up to the waggons at the next outspan.

From Jock of the Bushveld by Fitzpatrick, Percy, Sir

She likes me to look round for a chat if I am ever in Marico, and so, for old acquaintance sake, I usually outspan for a day if I am anywhere near Water Kloof.

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

A quarter of a mile away she had some thought of turning from the road to avoid the outspan and its risks, but it was too late.

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

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