spancel

American  

[span-suhl] / ˈspæn səl /

noun

1. a noosed rope with which to hobble an animal, especially a horse or cow.

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verb (used with object)

spanceled, spanceling, spancelled, spancelling

1. to fetter with or as with a spancel.

spancel British  

/ ˈspænsəl /

noun

1. a length of rope for hobbling an animal, esp a horse or cow

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verb

1. (tr) to hobble (an animal) with a loose rope

Etymology

Origin of spancel

1600–10; < Low German spansel, derivative of spannen to stretch; span ²

Example Sentences

"Do not forget the spancel," said the woman with the child on her knees; "take the inside one."

From The Celtic Twilight by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)

As my horse was straying toward the west side of the clearing I went to fetch him back and spancel him near the fort.

From A Virginia Scout by Hutchison, D. C.