Outspan

Origin

out + span. Compare Afrikaans uitspan.

Full definition of outspan

Verb

1. (South Africa) To release oxen from harness.
• 1976, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, Jock of the Bushveld, Longman, ISBN 058261231, page 126:“We had outspanned on in a flat covered with close grass about two feet high…The wagons, four in number, were drawn up off the road two abreast.”

Noun

1. (South Africa) The place where one outspans.
• 1976, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, Jock of the Bushveld, Longman, ISBN 058261231, page 202:“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.”
2. An area on a farm kept available for travellers to rest and refresh their animals

Related terms

• inspan: To yoke oxen.