spancel
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈspænsl/
KK: /ˈspænsl/
noun
Definition
A type of rope that is used to tie or restrict the movement of an animal, especially a sheep.
Example
The farmer used a spancel to keep the sheep from wandering off.
Conversation
I was helping my dad on the farm yesterday.
Oh really? What did you do?
We had to use a spancel to keep the sheep in place.
That sounds interesting! I didn't know you needed special ropes for that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hobbler
rope
tether
Antonyms
freedom
release
liberation
transitive verb
Definition
To tie the legs of an animal together to prevent it from moving freely.
Example
The farmer decided to spancel the young goat to keep it from wandering off.
Tense Forms
Past: spanceld
Past Participle: spanceld
Conversation
Did you see how they spancel the sheep at the farm yesterday?
Yeah, it was interesting to watch them do it so quickly.
I didn't know they could spancel them that efficiently.
Root Explanation
Spancel originates from Middle English 'spancel', which is derived from the Old English 'spanian', meaning to bind or to tie. The word refers to a strap or cord used to bind the legs of an animal, particularly a horse.
Memory Tip
Think of 'binding' or 'tying' something together, as 'spancel' refers to a cord used to tie the legs of an animal.
Visually Confused Words
sphacel
space
panel
subpanel
stanchel
spaceful