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.
Do," cried Robin; "sir, she's an auld withered hag, would spean a foal.
From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by John Galt
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 Gordon Stables
But wither'd beldams, auld and droll, Rigwoodie hags, wad spean a foal, Lowpin' and flingin' on a cummock, I wonder didna turn thy stomach.
From The Book of Humorous Verse by Carolyn Wells
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 J. G. (John Gibson) Lockhart
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 Robert Burns
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