spell

I

[[t]spɛl[/t]]

v. spelled spelt, spell•ing

1) ling. to name, write, or otherwise give the letters, in order, of (a word, syllable, etc.):

Did I spell your name right?[/ex]

2) ling. cv (of letters) to form (a word, syllable, etc.):

Y-e-s spells yes[/ex]

3) to read letter by letter or with difficulty (often fol. by out)

4) to signify; amount to:

This delay spells disaster for us[/ex]

5) ling. to name, write, or give the letters of words, syllables, etc., esp. correctly

6) ling. to express words by letters:

to spell in front of the children[/ex]

7) phv spell out

a) to explain something plainly, so that the meaning is unmistakable:

Must I spell it out for you?[/ex]

b) to write out in full:

The title “Ph.D.” is seldom spelled out[/ex]

c) to discern, as by study

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME < OF espeller < Gmc; cf. OE spellian to talk, announce (der. of spell spell II), OHG -spellōn, ON spjalla, Go spillon II

spell

[[t]spɛl[/t]] n.

1) a word or phrase supposed to have magic power; incantation

2) a state or period of enchantment:

living under a spell[/ex]

3) any dominating or irresistible influence; fascination:

the spell of fine music[/ex]

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Etymology: bef. 900; OE; c. OHG spel, ON spjall, Go spill tale III

spell

[[t]spɛl[/t]] n.

1) a continuous period of work or other activity:

to take a spell at the wheel[/ex]

2) a turn of work so taken

3) a bout, fit, or period of anything experienced:

a spell of coughing[/ex]

4) an indefinite period:

Come visit us for a spell[/ex]

5) a period of weather of a specified kind:

a hot spell[/ex]

6) archaic a shift of workers relieving another

7) to take the place of for a time; relieve:

Let me spell you at the wheel[/ex]

8) to take turns at a job

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Etymology: 1585–95; (v.) alter. of earlier spele to stand instead of, relieve, spare, ME spelen, OE spelian; akin to OE spala, gespelia a substitute