Middle English Dictionary Entry
spannen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | spannen v.(1) Sg.3 spanneth, spanos. |
| Etymology | OE spannan; cp. OE ymb-spannan to clasp around, embrace & OF espaner to embrace. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of a dragon: to wrap itself around (an animal, an animal's legs), bind; (b) to grasp or seize (a spear).
Associated quotations
a
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)282a/b : The Dragoun..lurkeþ in weyes where þe eliphant goþ, and byndeþ and spanneþ his legges and strangleþ and sleeþ him.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)284a/b : Þe femel [elephant]..leueþ hire fole where sche foleþ by cause of dragouns þat beþ enemyes to hem, and spanneþ hem and sleeþ hem.
b
- c1475(?c1425) Avow.Arth.(Tay 9:French&Hale)193 : Þenne þe Kinge span os his spere, Opon þat bore for to bere.