Spalt, v. t. & i. [Cf. OE. spalden. See Spalt, a.] To split off; to
cleave off, as chips from a piece of timber, with an ax. [Prov. Eng. &
Local, U.S.]
Spalt"ing knife` (?). A knife used in splitting codfish. [Written also
spalding knife.]
Span (?), archaic imp. & p. p. of Spin.
Span, n. [AS. spann; akin to D. span, OHG. spanna, G. spanne, Icel.
spönn. √170. See Span, v. t. ] 1. The space from the thumb to the
end of the little finger when extended; nine inches; eighth of a
fathom.