"SPICK AND SPAN."
Cloth newly taken from the loom was «i<l on spikes (hooks) and spannans \ (stretchers) to stretch it equally. Hence a fresh piece of cloth just taken from the stretchers was called "spik and span now." The expression gradually came to be applied to other articles of daily, toe. The Italian word "spiceo" (bright-' ness) and "span new" —newly span or 6 pun—have been suggested as probable origins of the phraee, as also have tho Dutch "spjker" (a warehouse) and : 'spange" (glossy or shining). But it is at once seen that the first derivation 18 by far the most likely. Then whik the honour thou hast got, Is spick uud span new—piping hot; strike her up bravely, thou hadst best, Ana trust -■ to fortune all the rest. Butler, "Hudibras." '
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19310530.2.194
Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 126, 30 May 1931, Page 9 (Supplement)
Word Count
131"SPICK AND SPAN." Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 126, 30 May 1931, Page 9 (Supplement)
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