■ noun
1》 an implement consisting of a small, shallow oval or round bowl on a long handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food.
↘( ~s ) a pair of ~s held in the hand and beaten together rhythmically as a percussion instrument.
2》 (also ~ bait ) a fishing lure designed to wobble when pulled through the water.
3》 an oar with a broad curved blade.
■ verb
1》 transfer with a ~.
2》 informal, dated (of two people) behave in an amorous way.
↘lie close together sideways and front to back, so as to fit together like ~s.
3》 hit (a ball) up into the air with a soft or weak stroke.
Derivatives
~er noun
~ful noun ( plural ~fuls ).
Origin
OE spōn 'chip of wood', of Gmc origin; related to Ger. Span 'shaving'.