[f. SPAN v.1] Extending or crossing as a span.
1823. P. Nicholson, Pract. Build., 122. The rafters were the sides of an equilateral triangle, of which the spanning line was the base.
1825. J. Nicholson, Operat. Mechanic, 539. The height, or rise of the arch, is a line drawn at right angles from the middle of the chord, or spanning line, to the intrados.
1881. W. R. W. Stephens, Selsey-Chichester, 155. Broad spanning arches, and high massive towers.
1889. C. C. R., Up for Season, 269. Where … you can gaze far away On the wide-spanning bridge.
