outspan

American  

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

verb (used with object)

outspanned, outspanning

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

---

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

---

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

Being on my way to Brother Sarel’s I thought I would outspan here and get some medicine.”

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

After some little trouble about the camp, where the trail was much mingled with others, he presently got the spoor away into the bush, to the west of the outspan.

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

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.

These four being therefore ready, having already brought in and kraaled the goats for the night, they assisted the Englishman to outspan his oxen and unload the waggons.

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

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