A game played by boys with marbles or halfpence. A marble or halfpenny is struck against the wall. If the second player can bring his so near that of his antagonist as to include both within a span, he claims both as his.—Jamieson.
This is the same game as “[Banger],” “[Boss Out].” Probably the Old English game of “[Span Counter],” or “Span Farthing,” was originally the same.—See Johnson’s Dictionary.
Spannims
A game at marbles played in the eastern parts of England.—Halliwell’s Dictionary.
Spawnie
The same game as “[Spangie].”—Keith (Rev. W. Gregor).
Spinny-Wye
The name of a game among children at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I suspect this is nearly the same with “[Hide and Seek].” “I spye” is the usual exclamation at a childish game called “Hie, spy, hie.”—Brand, ii. 442.