A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
*Han(d)-span, adv. [Appar. Hand n. and span (of the hand).] —1686 G. Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. 70.
A couple of knights.. .Clamm up the shrouds [of a ship] and wrought han-span [gl. very heartily] And preuv'd themsel's two clifty men
