Terms for small dishes (5)

I believe the answer is:

spans

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This clue might be a double definition.

'terms' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to time as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'small dishes' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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