▪ I. † spen, n. Obs.—1
(Meaning obscure.)
| 13.. Gaw. & Gr. Knt. 1074 Ȝe schal..cum to þat merk at mydmorn, to make quat yow likez in spenne. |
▪ II. spen, v. ? Obs.
Also 4, 9 spenn.
[a. ON. spenna (Icel. and Norw. spenna, Sw. spänna, Da. spænde), = MDu. and MLG. spennen, NFris. spên, spän, related to span v.2 Cf. spend v.2]
1. trans. To clasp; to fasten by means of clasps or buckles; to button or lace.
| 13.. E.E. Allit. P. A. 49 Bifore þat spot my honde I spennd, For care ful colde þat to me caȝt. 13.. Gaw. & Gr. Knt. 587 Wyth ryche cote armure, His gold sporez spend with pryde. c 1400 Destr. Troy. 10942 Telamon full tyte..Two spurres full spedely spent on his helis. c 1500 Lancelot 2806 The maden sone one to his chalmer gos, And sacretly his armour one hyme spent. 1825 Jamieson Suppl., To Spenn,..to button, or to lace one's clothes; as, to spenn the waistcoat. |
b. With personal object.
| c 1400 Rowland & O. 361 Þay spende hym with his gilte sperres, And dressede hym in his armours. |
2. intr. To fit tightly or closely.
| 13.. Gaw. & Gt. Knt. 158 Hose of þat same grene, Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder. |
▪ III. spen
variant of spean n.