outspan

American  

[out-span, out-span] / ˌaʊtˈspæn, ˈaʊtˌspæn /

verb (used with object)

outspanned, outspanning

1. to unyoke or unhitch, as oxen from a wagon.

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verb (used without object)

outspanned, outspanning

1. to remove the yoke, harness, etc., from animals.

noun

1. the act or a place of outspanning.

outspan British  

noun

1. an area on a farm kept available for travellers to rest and refresh animals

2. the act of unharnessing or unyoking

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verb

1. (tr) to unharness or unyoke (animals)

2. (intr) to relax

Etymology

Origin of outspan

1815–25; translation of Afrikaans uitspan; out-, span ²

Example Sentences

It was just like him to remember these things, for in our routine there was as a rule no eating during the night outspan.

From The Outspan Tales of South Africa by Fitzpatrick, Percy, Sir

These four being therefore ready, having already brought in and kraaled the goats for the night, they assisted the Englishman to outspan his oxen and unload the waggons.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

I’ll lay me quarter’s pinsion that they’ll have larned betther manners before we outspan this evening.”

From The War of the Axe Adventures in South Africa by Percy-Groves, J.

At every outspan place could be seen the remains of the fires lit by the fugitive.

From A Vendetta of the Desert by Scully, W. C. (William Charles)

At the outspan or on the road or footpath he shouldered them aside as one walks through standing corn, not aggressively but with the superb indifference of right and habit unquestioned.

From Jock of the Bushveld by Fitzpatrick, Percy, Sir