span be am

Mining: The horizontal beam into which the upper pivot of the axis of the whin is journaled. span-block, s. Naut.: A block attached to each end of a span or length of rope which lies acro a cap and hangs down at each side. *span-counter, s. A game played by two persons with counters. The first threw his counter on the ground, and the second endeavored to hit it with his counter, or at least to get near enough to be able to span the distance between the two counters, in which case he won. If not, his counter remained lying as a mark for his opponent, and so alternately till the game was won. Called also Span-farthing, Span-feather. "Faith, you may intreat him to take notice of me for anything; for being an excellent farrier, for playing well at span-counter, or sticking knives in walls."- Beaum . & Flet.: Woman Hater , i. 3.