~ 1
■ noun
1》 the full extent of something from end to end; the amount of space covered.
↘a wing~.
↘a part of a bridge between piers or supports.
2》 the length of time for which something lasts.
3》 (also hand~ ) the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, taken as the basis of a measurement equal to 9 inches.
4》 archaic a short distance or time.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ning , ~ned ) extend across or over.
Origin
OE, 'distance between thumb and little finger', of Gmc origin.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 Nautical a rope with its ends fastened at different points in order to provide a purchase.
2》 a team of people or animals, especially a matched pair of horses or oxen.
■ verb S. African yoke (an animal).
Origin
C16: from Du. or Low Ger. ~nen .
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~ 3
■ adjective see spick and ~ .
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~ 4
chiefly archaic
past of spin .