ˈspanə(r), -paan- noun
( -s )
Etymology: from obsolete English, instrument for winding the spring of a wheel lock, from German, from spannen to stretch (from Old High German spannan ) + -er — more at span
1. : a contrivance in some of the earlier steam engines for moving the valves
2.
a. chiefly Britain : wrench
b. : a wrench that has a jaw or socket to fit a nut or head of a bolt, a pipe, or hose coupling ; especially : one having a tooth or one or more pins in its jaw to fit a hole or slot in an object
3. : a horizontal cross brace or collar beam
4. : a pendulum attachment for an ordinary sextant providing an artificial horizon for use when the sea horizon is obscured
5. : an embroidery-machine worker who adjusts fabric and frames
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spanner 2
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