(span) v.t. spanned, span·ning
1. To measure, especially with the hand with the thumb and little finger extended.
2. To encircle or grasp with the hand, as in measuring.
3. To stretch across; extend over or from side to side of: This road spans the continent.
4. To provide with something that stretches across or extends over. [<noun]
—noun
1. The extreme space over which the hand can be expanded: 9 inches, or 22.86 centimeters.
2. Any small interval or distance, in space or in time.
3. Archit. The space or distance between the supports of an arch, abutments of a bridge, etc.
4. That which spans.
5. Aeron. The maximum lateral distance from tip to tip of airplane wings. [OE spann]

(span) v. spanned, span·ning v.t.
To bind; make fast; fetter.
—v.i. To match in color and size: said of horses.
—noun
1. A rope or chain used as a fastening on a ship.
2. A pair of matched horses or oxen.
3. In South Africa, a team of oxen or bullocks, of two or more yokes. [<MDu. spannen fasten, join, draw together]

(span)
Archaic past tense of SPIN.