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

She likes me to look round for a chat if I am ever in Marico, and so, for old acquaintance sake, I usually outspan for a day if I am anywhere near Water Kloof.

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

Lilian, however, forgot her fatigue, as after the next outspan they wended up the rugged, but picturesque bush-road, in the golden light of the waning afternoon.

From The Fire Trumpet A Romance of the Cape Frontier by Mitford, Bertram

The right of outspan, usual bone of contention in Dutch neighbourhoods.

From The Fire Trumpet A Romance of the Cape Frontier by Mitford, Bertram

A hundred grass ticks having at various times of outspan made convenient entry through open-work brown silk stockings, chewed at my ankles causing exquisite irritation not to be assuaged by a violent application of finger-nails.

From The Claw by Stockley, Cynthia

At each outspan Jacomina exercised all her faculties to shine as a cook.

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