But when they spang o'er reason's fence, We smart for't at our own
expense.
Ramsay.
Spang, n. A bound or spring. [Scot.] Sir W. Scott.
Spang, n. [AS. spange a clasp or fastening; akin to D. spang, G.
spange, OHG. spanga, Icel. spöng a spangle.] A spangle or shining
ornament. [Obs.]
With glittering spangs that did like stars appear.
Spenser.
Span"gle (?), n. [OE. spangel, dim. of AS. spange. See Spang a
spangle.] 1. A small plate or boss of shining metal; something
brilliant used as an ornament, especially when stitched on the dress.
2. Figuratively, any little thing that sparkless. "The rich spangles
that adorn the sky." Waller.
Oak spangle. See under Oak.
Span"gle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Spangled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Spangling
(?).] To set or sprinkle with, or as with, spangles; to adorn with
small, distinct, brilliant bodies; as, a spangled breastplate. Donne.
What stars do spangle heaven with such beauty?
Shak.
Spangled coquette (Zoöl.), a tropical humming bird (Lophornis reginæ).
See Coquette, 2.
Span"gle, v. i. To show brilliant spots or points; to glisten; to
glitter.
Some men by feigning words as dark as mine Make truth to spangle,
and its rays to shine.
Bunyan.
Span"gler (?), n. One who, or that which, spangles.
Span"gly (?), a. Resembling, or consisting of, spangles; glittering;
as, spangly light.
Span"iard (?), n. A native or inhabitant of Spain.
Span"iel (?), n. [OF. espagneul, F. épagneul, espagnol Spanish, Sp.
españnol, fr. España Spain, from L. Hispania.] 1. (Zoöl.) One of a
breed of small dogs having long and thick hair and large drooping ears.
The legs are usually strongly feathered, and the tail bushy. See
Illust. under Clumber, and Cocker.
There are several varieties of spaniels, some of which, known as field
spaniels, are used in hunting; others are used for toy or pet dogs, as
the Blenheim spaniel, and the King Charles spaniel (see under
Blenheim). Of the field spaniels, the larger kinds are called
springers, and to these belong the Sussex, Norfolk, and Clumber
spaniels (see Clumber). The smaller field spaniels, used in hunting
woodcock, are called cocker spaniels (see Cocker). Field spaniels are
remarkable for their activity and intelligence.
As a spaniel she will on him leap.
Chaucer.