spancel

[ span-suhl ]

noun

1. a noosed rope with which to hobble an animal, especially a horse or cow.

verb (used with object)

, span·celed, span·cel·ing or (especially British) span·celled, span·cel·ling.

1. to fetter with or as with a spancel.

spancel

/ ˈspænsəl /

noun

1. a length of rope for hobbling an animal, esp a horse or cow

verb

1. tr to hobble (an animal) with a loose rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of spancel¹

1600–10; < Low German spansel, derivative of spannen to stretch; span ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of spancel¹

C17: from Low German spansel, from spannen to stretch; see span ²

Example Sentences

My wrist-cords were loosed, my ankles were fastened only with a spancel, and strong hands jerked me to my feet.

From Project Gutenberg

Langel; to tie the fore and the hind leg of a cow or goat with a spancel or fetter to prevent it going over fences.

From Project Gutenberg

I ordered my servant to spancel the mules, and tether the horse to a shrub by a long rope.

From Project Gutenberg

As my horse was straying toward the west side of the clearing I went to fetch him back and spancel him near the fort.

From Project Gutenberg

I asked, seizing the rope which was composed of leather belts and spancel-ropes.

From Project Gutenberg