spean
Americanverb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of spean
1565–75; variant of dial. spane, Middle English spanen; cognate with Low German, Dutch spenen, German (dial.) Spänen
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.
He was one of the most conceited persons in the world, but a good teacher; one of the ugliest countenances he had that need be exhibited—enough, as we say, to spean weans.
From Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume I (of 10) by Lockhart, J. G. (John Gibson)
But withered beldams, auld and droll, Rigwoodie hags wad spean a foal, Lowping an' flinging on a crummock— I wonder did na turn thy stomach.
From In the Saddle A Collection of Poems on Horseback-Riding by Various
But wither’d beldams, auld and droll, Rigwoodie hags, wad spean a foal, Lowping an’ flinging on a cummock, I wonder didna turn thy stomach.
From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert
Do," cried Robin; "sir, she's an auld withered hag, would spean a foal.
From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by Galt, John
These sweetie wives were not young by any means—save one or two— “But withered beldames, auld and droll, Rig-woodie hags would spean a foal.”
From Annie o' the Banks o' Dee by Stables, Gordon
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.
