Span (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Spanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Spanning.] [AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. spänna, Dan. spænde, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. � to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. √170. Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.] 1. To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.
My right hand hath spanned the heavens. Isa. xiviii. 13.
2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.
The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. prescott.
3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.