inspan verb trans. [ɪn'span] S. Afr. Infl. -nn-. E19.
[Afrikaans from Dutch inspannen, from in- IN-¹ + spannen SPAN verb².]
1. Yoke (oxen, horses, etc.) in a team to a vehicle; harness (a wagon). E19.

2. fig. Persuade (a person) to give assistance or service; use as a makeshift. E20.
Rand Daily Mail Mrs Barton often gets on the telephone and inspans private householders to help out.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲