I. ˈspän(t)sən noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably by shortening & alteration from expansion
: a projection from the side of a ship or a tank to act as a bearing or protection for some part: as
a. : a structure outside the normal hull of a vessel to give added deck room or stability or protection for paddle wheels or to afford a gun platform
b. : a gun platform projecting from the side of a warship or a tank to give a greater arc of fire
c. : an air chamber along the side of a canoe to increase its stability and buoyancy
d. : a light air-filled structure protruding from the hull of a seaplane to give it steadiness as it rests on water
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to equip with or install on sponsons