Span \Span\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spanned; p. pr. & vb. n. Spanning.]

[AS. pannan; akin to D. & G. spannen, OHG. spannan, Sw. sp["a]nna, Dan. sp[ae]nde, Icel. spenna, and perh. to Gr. ? to draw, to drag, L. spatium space. [root]170. Cf. Spin, v. t., Space, Spasm.]

1. To measure by the span of the hand with the fingers extended, or with the fingers encompassing the object; as, to span a space or distance; to span a cylinder.

My right hand hath spanned the heavens. --Isa. xiviii. 13.

2. To reach from one side of to the order; to stretch over as an arch.

The rivers were spanned by arches of solid masonry. --prescott.

3. To fetter, as a horse; to hobble.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)