spell

spell

spell¹ [spel]

n.

[ME < OE, a saying, tale, charm, akin to Goth spill, tale < ? IE base * (s)pel-, to speak loudly]

1. a word, formula, or form of words thought to have some magic power; incantation

2. seemingly magical power or irresistible influence; charm; fascination

3. a trance

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cast a spell on

1. to put into, or as into, a trance

2. to win the complete affection of

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under a spell

held in a spell or trance; enchanted

spell² [spel]

vt.

spelled or spelt, spelling [ME spellen < OFr espeller, to explain, relate < Frank * spellōn, akin to SPELL¹]

1. to name, write, or signal the letters which make up (a word, syllable, etc.), esp. the right letters in the right order, together with any required hyphens, apostrophes, accents, etc.

2. to make up, or form (a word, etc.): said of specified letters

3. to signify; mean [hard work spelled success]

vi.

to spell a word, words, etc.; esp., to do so correctly

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spell out

1. to read letter by letter or with difficulty

2. to make out, or discern, as if by close reading

☆ 3. to explain exactly and in detail

spell³ [spel]

vt.

spelled, spelling [ME spelien < OE spelian, to substitute for, akin to spala, a substitute]

1. Informal to serve or work in place of (another), esp. so as to give a period of rest to; relieve

2. Chiefly Austral. to give a period of rest to

vi.

Chiefly Austral. to take a period of rest or relief

n.

1. a turn of serving or working in place of another

2. a period or turn of work, duty, etc. [a two-year spell as reporter]

3. a turn, period, or fit of something [a spell of brooding]

4. a period of a specified sort of weather [a cold spell]

5. Informal a period of time that is indefinite, short, or of a specified character

☆ 6. Dial. a short distance

7. Informal a period or fit of some illness, indisposition, etc.

8. Chiefly Austral. a period of rest or relief from activity