Dictionary

outspan en · NOUN

Etymology

From out + span. Compare Afrikaans uitspan.

Meanings

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

Forms

Relateds

To yoke oxen (inspan)

outspan en · VERB

Etymology

From out + span. Compare Afrikaans uitspan.

Meanings

1. (South-Africa, transitive) To release oxen from a harness.
   • 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. 1976, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, Jock of the Bushveld, Longman, ISBN 058261231, page 126

Forms