The word "span" likely comes from the old Norse, "spann-nyr" for new made or made new.

As for span, chips of wood also display the same fresh, sharp-edged qualities and seem to be a plausible source for the use of the word here.
Spic[k]-and-Span: OK to Keep the K
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Elizabeth Emerald
Author, D. Denise Dianaty
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Jun 10, 2023
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The word "span" likely comes from the old Norse, "spann-nyr" for new made or made new. "Spick" like comes from the Dutch " spiksplinter nieuw" for newly crafted or workshop new.
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Written by Author, D. Denise Dianaty10.4K Followers
·8.1K Following
Artist, Poet, author, wife & mom May my epitaph be "She reflected love into the world."
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