? Obs. Also 4, 9 spenn. [a. ON. spenna (Icel. and Norw. spenna, Sw. spänna, Da. spænde), = MDu. and MLG. spennen, NFris. spên, spän, related to SPAN v.2 Cf. SPEND v.2]
1. trans. To clasp; to fasten by means of clasps or buckles; to button or lace.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., A. 49. Bifore þat spot my honde I spennd, For care ful colde þat to me caȝt.
13[?]. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 587. Wyth ryche cote armure, His gold sporez spend with pryde.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, 10942. Telamon full tyte … Two spurres full spedely spent on his helis.
c. 1500. Lancelot, 2806. The maden sone one to his chalmer gos, And sacretly his armour one hyme spent.
1825. Jamieson, Suppl., To Spenn,… to button, or to lace one’s clothes; as, to spenn the waistcoat.
b. With personal object.
c. 1400. Rowland & O., 361. Þay spende hym with his gilte sperres, And dressede hym in his armours.
2. intr. To fit tightly or closely.
13[?]. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 158. Hose of þat same grene, Þat spenet on his sparlyr, & clene spures vnder.
