span-new
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of span-new
1250–1300; Middle English spannewe < Old Norse spānnȳr brand-new, fresh, equivalent to spānn chip shavings, shingle + nȳr new
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I arrived safely at Mutton Cove, where two women, seeing my inquiring eye and span-new dress, asked what ship they should take “my honour” to.
From Frank Mildmay Or, the Naval Officer by Marryat, Frederick
Am I not totally a span-new Gallant, Fit for the choycest eyes? have I not gold?
From The False One by Beaumont, Francis
What did the span-new mister say to that?
From One-Act Plays By Modern Authors by Various
Hence span-new is fresh from the stretchers, or frames, alluding to cloth, a very old manufacture of the country; and spick and span is fresh from the spike, or tenter, and frames.
From Notes and Queries, Number 78, April 26, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc by Bell, George
E. E. had told me that when Mrs. Sprague gave a party, her guests almost always came out in span-new dresses.
From Phemie Frost's Experiences by Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
