spancel

1 of 2

transitive verb

span·​cel
ˈspan(t)səl
spanceled or spancelled; spanceled or spancelled; spanceling or spancelling; spancels
: to tie or hobble with or as if with a spancel : fetter

spancel

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
: a rope hobble or clog especially for a horse or cow

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb

Low German spanseln, from spansel, noun

Noun

Low German spansel, from spannen to stretch, fasten, from Middle Low German

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near spancel

Cite this Entry

“Spancel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spancel. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!