Span

span, n. The space from the end of the thumb to the end of the little finger when extended inches; a brief extent or portion of time. (Arch.) Extent of an arch between its abutments. (Xaiit.) A rope secured at both ends to any object, the chase being hooked to the bight. A pair of horses driven together. — v. t. [spanned (spand), -king.] To measure by the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompa ing the object; measure, or reach, from one side of to the other; compa . — Span'ner, n. One who spans; a fireman's wrench for hose couplings. — Span'' drel, n. (Arch.) The irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the rectangle inclosing it; or the space between the outer moldings of 2 contiguous arches and a horizontal line above them, or another arch above and ins s, Spandrels. closing them Of the length span -worm, n.~ A naked caterpillar (called! geometer and looper) of several genera, including the canker-worm, — so called from the way in which it spans or measures the distance over which it pa es.