span1
  
  n.
    - the full extent of something from end to end; the amount of space covered. 
▸a wingspan.
 ▸a part of a bridge between piers or supports.
 - the length of time for which something lasts.
 - 
(also handspan)
 the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, taken as the basis of a measurement equal to 9 inches.
 - archaic a short distance or time.
 
v.
 (spans, spanning, spanned)
 extend across or over.
 
  Etymology
  OE, ‘distance between thumb and little finger’, of Gmc origin.
 
  
    
span2
  
  n.
  - Nautical  a rope with its ends fastened at different points in order to provide a purchase.
 - a team of people or animals, especially a matched pair of horses or oxen.
 
v.
 S. African yoke (an animal).
 
  Etymology
  C16: from Du. or Low Ger. spannen.