spelln.1
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ a. Without article: Discourse, narration, speech; occasionally idle talk, fable. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > [noun]
speechc725
spellc888
tonguec897
spellingc1000
wordOE
mathelingOE
redec1275
sermonc1275
leeda1300
gale13..
speakc1300
speaking1303
ledenc1320
talea1325
parliamentc1325
winda1330
sermoningc1330
saying1340
melinga1375
talkingc1386
wordc1390
prolationa1393
carpinga1400
eloquencec1400
utteringc1400
language?c1450
reporturec1475
parleyc1490
locutionc1500
talk1539
discourse1545
report1548
tonguec1550
deliverance1553
oration1555
delivery1577
parling1582
parle1584
conveying1586
passage1598
perlocution1599
wording1604
bursta1616
ventilation1615
loquency1623
voicinga1626
verbocination1653
loquence1677
pronunciation1686
loquel1694
jawinga1731
talkee-talkee?1740
vocification1743
talkation1781
voicing1822
utterancy1827
voicing1831
the spoken word1832
outness1851
verbalization1851
voice1855
outgiving1865
stringing1886
praxis1950
the mind > language > speech > narration > [noun]
spellc888
talec1000
telling?c1225
relationc1390
fablec1400
collationc1430
deliverance1431
narrationc1449
exposition1460
recounting1485
deducing1530
recital1565
delivery1592
reporting1603
retailing1609
recountmenta1616
narrative1748
narrating1802
deducement1820
recountal1825
retailment1832
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > disregard for truth, falsehood > fabrication of statement or story > a false or foolish tale > [noun]
spellc888
triflea1250
talea1325
vanity1340
a tale of waltrot1377
fablec1384
niflec1395
triflerya1400
truffc1430
jest1488
winter's talec1555
winter story1646
galley-packet1786
galley-yarn1874
cuffer1887
ploda1903
scuttlebutt yarn1918
just-so story1922
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > types of narrative or story generally > [noun] > false or foolish
spellc888
triflea1250
truffc1430
tale of a roasted horse1532
fairy story1687
pipe story1890
fairy tale1896
pishogue1931
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xiii Þa ongon he eft secgean spel & þus cwæð.
OE Beowulf 873 Secg eft ongan..on sped wrecan spel gerade.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 232 Ðæt nis to spelle ac elles to rædenne þam þe hit licað.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 153 To lusten hoker, & spel, & leow [read leoþ], & oðer þing þet boð to-ȝeines godes heste.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 6034 Nes hit neowhær itald. on songe no on spelle.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 329 Ȝweþer þis beo soth,..oþur us þinchez ase in metingue, oþur in manere of spelle?
a1350 in K. Böddeker Altengl. Dichtungen (1878) 199 Þine peynes rykene, hit were long, ne may hem tellen spel ne song.
c1425 J. Audelay XI Pains of Hell 321 Þen seide vr lord to hem in spelle.
c1480 (a1400) Seven Sleepers 362 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 436 Wes nane þat euire hard tel of ony of þame in red na spel.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)] > begin to speak
upbreakc1275
to set spell on enda1300
gina1333
to take up (one's) parablea1382
braidc1400
to take up the word1477
begin1563
exordiate1594
to speak upa1723
to lug out1787
to speak out1792
upspeak1827
exordize1887
shoot1915
open1926
to come in1949
a1300 Siriz 62 I shal setten spel on ende, And tellen þe al.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 1295 Seth þen sette him spell [Trin. tale] on-end And tald warfor þat he was send.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 84 He sett spell on ende & tolde hym all þe cace.
a. A discourse or sermon; a narrative or tale; also (Old English), a subject of discourse. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speech-making > [noun] > a discourse or lecture
spellc888
predicationa1325
lessonc1330
collation1417
sermocination1514
discourse1533
lecture1536
descant1567
peroration1607
homilya1616
sermona1616
exercitation1632
transcursion1641
exhortatory1656
by-discourse1660
screed1748
purlicue1825
rhesis1840
talk1859
lecturette1867
chalk talk1881
pi-jaw1896
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > narrative or story > [noun]
spellc888
talea1060
book-spellc1275
pistlec1400
treatyc1400
narrationc1449
story1489
reportory1534
narrative1566
reportary1594
monogatari1876
récit1915
diegesis1973
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxvi. §3 Ða se Wisdom ða þis spel asæd hæfde.
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xxxi. §1 We geheordon geo geara on ealdum spellum þæt [etc.].
OE Beowulf 2898 Lyt swigode niwra spella..ac he soðlice sægde ofer ealle.
c1000 Ælfric Gram. (Z.) Pref. 2 Syððan ic ða twa bec awende on hundeahtatigum spellum.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 8026 Þurrh þatt teȝȝ cwemmdenn iesu crist Wiþþ spelless. & wiþþ dedess.
a1250 Owl & Nightingale 1794 Ne can ic eu na more telle; her nys na more of þisse spelle.
c1330 (?a1300) Sir Tristrem (1886) l. 2768 Þe geaunt herd þat spelle, For þi him was ful wa.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 19655 Mikil he lernid..Of spellis þat he siþin spac.
a1400–50 Alexander 3840 Ȝit for na spell at he spirid spek wald þai neuire.
a1450 J. Myrc Instr. to Par. Priests 170 Take gode hede on thys spel.
a1500 Tale of Harper 4 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. III. 44 A man may dryfe forth the day..With harpyng and pipyng and other mery spellis.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > New Testament > Gospel > [noun] > one of
gospelc1200
evangely1393
evangelc1400
spell1579
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > Testament > Old Testament > divisions of Old Testament > [noun] > Psalms > part of
nocturn?c1225
spell1579
versicle1606
OE Daniel 478 He is ana ece drihten, dema ælmihtig, se ðe him dom forgeaf, spowende sped, þam þe his spel berað.
c1175 Lamb. Hom. 27 Bi hulche monna seið drihten in his spelle.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 185 To turrnenn..Þe sunes þurrh hiss hallȝhe spell Till þeȝȝre faderr herrte.
c1386 G. Chaucer Sir Thopas 182 Now hold your mouth..And herkneth to my spelle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 5332 Þe king badd all to listen þan, And þus iacob his spell be-gan.
a1450 J. Myrc Instr. to Par. Priests 1443 But he take hyre in hys spelle, Þen he may þe name mynge.
3.
a. A set of words, a formula or verse, supposed to possess occult or magical powers; a charm or incantation; a means of accomplishing enchantment or exorcism. (Cf. earlier night-spell n.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [noun] > spell
galderOE
lede-runec1000
sigalderc1000
craftOE
lede spelc1275
charma1300
conjurisonc1380
conjurationa1398
incantation1412
saunter1562
blessing1572
fascination1572
spell1579
lot1625
cantation1656
cantion1656
take1678
jynx1693
cantrip1719
pishogue1829
brujería1838
paternoster1880
goofer1887
runea1935
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > involving demons or black magic > invocation > formula used in
invocation1390
spell1579
evocation1631
1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Mar. 54 Gloss. Spell is a kinde of verse or charme, that in elder tymes they vsed often to say ouer euery thing, that they would haue preserued, as the Nightspel for theeues, and the woodspell.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 28 Where the spirits of the deceassed, by certaine spels..were accustomed to be raised.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iv. ii. 162 She workes by Charmes, by Spels, by th'Figure, & such dawbry as this is. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxvii. 236 If therefore Enchantment be not, as many think it, a working of strange effects by spells, and words; but Imposture [etc.].
1727 D. Defoe Syst. Magick i. vi. 155 The Diabolical Spells and Charms of the Pagan Magicians.
1768 T. Gray Descent of Odin in Poems 92 Prophetess, my spell obey.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake iii. 105 Whatever tells Of magic, cabala, and spells.
1848 A. Jameson Sacred & Legendary Art (1850) 138 Hermogenes..bound Philetus by his diabolical spells, so that he could not move hand or foot.
1894 J. Macintosh Ayrshire Nights' Entertainm. iii. 32 The Norwegians believed it to have been raised by the spells of the Scottish witches.
b. transferred and figurative. An occult or mysterious power or influence; a fascinating or enthralling charm.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [noun] > influence or power of
bewitching1535
spell1592
feyness1873
wizardry1884
magicality1924
society > authority > power > influence > [noun] > mysterious or secret influence
spell1592
(the) hidden hand1932
the mind > attention and judgement > attractiveness > [noun] > attractive quality or feature > overpowering
enchantment1678
spell1766
1592 T. Nashe Strange Newes 35 His only care was to haue a spel in his purse to coniure vp a good cuppe of wine with at all times.
1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor ii. iii. sig. Givv Your good Face is the Witch, & your Apparell the Spells, that bring all the pleasures of the world into their Circle. View more context for this quotation
a1625 J. Fletcher Loyal Subj. ii. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Ddd4v/1 Thinking what strange spels these Rings have, And how they worke with some.
1668 A. Cowley Garden in Ess. in Verse & Prose v These are the Spels that to kind Sleep invite.
1766 J. Fordyce Serm. Young Women II. vii. 40 Let it be remembered however, that the triumph of their rivals is commonly..short. The spell on which it is founded is soon broke.
1785 W. Cowper Task vi. 98 Books are not seldom talismans and spells, By which the magic art of shrewder wits Holds an unthinking multitude enthrall'd.
a1817 J. Austen Lady Susan xxxiv, in Wks. (1954) VI. 304 The spell is removed. I see you as you are.
1856 N. Brit. Rev. 26 218 The ordinary devices by which the novelist keeps us under his spell.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. xii. 243 The spell was on him,..that of woman's tact.
c. A device, trick. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > [noun] > (a) means > available means or a resource > a device, contrivance, or expedient
costOE
craftOE
custc1275
ginc1275
devicec1290
enginec1300
quaintisec1300
contrevurec1330
castc1340
knackc1369
findinga1382
wilea1400
conject14..
skiftc1400
policy?1406
subtilityc1410
policec1450
conjecturea1464
industry1477
invention1516
cunning1526
shift1530
compass1540
chevisance1548
trade1550
tour1558
fashion1562
invent?1567
expediment1571
trick1573
ingeny1588
machine1595
lock1598
contrival1602
contrivement1611
artifice1620
recipea1643
ingenuity1651
expedient1653
contrivance1661
excogitation1664
mechanism1669
expediency1683
stroke1699
spell1728
management1736
manoeuvre1769
move1794
wrinkle1817
dodge1842
jigamaree1847
quiff1881
kink1889
lurk1916
gadget1920
fastie1931
ploy1940
1728 A. Ramsay Last Speech Miser in Poems II. ix To hane in candle I had a spell Baith cheap and bright.
Compounds
attributive and in other combinations.
a. With past participles, as spell-banned, spell-caught, spell-enslaved, spell-raised, spell-riveted, spell-soaked, etc.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) v. i. 61 There stand For you are Spell -stopt. View more context for this quotation
a1657 G. Daniel Trinarchodia: Henry IV ccxxii, in Poems (1878) IV. 56 Soe you may Vnderstand Spel-Sprung Castles,..if you haue the Key.
1691 J. Dryden King Arthur iii. i. 34 I cannot stir; I am Spell-caught by Philidel.
1805 H. K. White Let. 10 Sept. in Remains (1807) I. 175 By dark wood, or hamlet far retir'd, Spell-struck, with thee I loiter'd.
1817 T. Campbell Reullura in Theodric 146 He..stood at the statue's foot, Spell-riveted to the spot.
1828 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 24 481 The gay attire of spell-raised loveliness.
1867 J. Ingelow Story of Doom vii. 24 Japhet strove Vainly to take away his spell-set eyes.
1896 Dublin Rev. Apr. 339 The legions..dissolved, like a spell-banned host.
1938 D. Thomas Let. 14 Oct. in Sel. Lett. (1966) 210 A still room in a spellsoaked house.
1955 J. R. R. Tolkien Return of King vi. iv. 227 The creatures of Sauron, orc or troll or beast spell-enslaved, ran hither and thither.
b. With agent-nouns and verbal nouns, as spell-monger, spell-mutterer, spell-speaker; spell-casting, spell-weaving.
ΚΠ
1625 J. Hart Anat. Urines ii. xi. 123 I say nothing of our Spel-mongers, curing by characters, figure-casting, with a world of other forbidden trash.
1633 J. Hart Κλινικη Introd. 22 Many..have often recourse to Wizards, Spelmongers [etc.].
1821 W. Scott Pirate II. xiii. 306 We shall soon see how the old spell-mutterer will receive us.
1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 48 A person who has visited these spell-casting sites.
1883 J. S. Stallybrass tr. J. Grimm Teutonic Mythol. III. 1109 Many books..couple together sieve-turners and spell-speakers.
1894 Westm. Gaz. 6 Sept. 2/1 The capture and the spell-weaving proceed as usual.
c. With nouns, as spell-craft, spell-glance, spell-word, etc.
ΚΠ
1817 T. Moore Fire-worshippers in Lalla Rookh (ed. 2) 206 His only spell-word, Liberty!
1817 T. Moore Fire-worshippers in Lalla Rookh (ed. 2) 249 Like those Peri isles of light, That hang by spell-work in the air.
1817 W. Scott Harold ii. iii. 45 To its dread aim her spell-glance flew.
1844 Ayrshire Wreath 176 Then comes the spell-craft of the mind To knit the soul [etc.].
d. With adjectives, as spell-free, spell-like, spell-proof.
ΚΠ
1799 R. B. Sheridan Pizarro iv. iii The spell-like arts, by which this hypocrite first undermin'd..a guileless heart!
1801 J. Leyden Elfin-King in Poems (1875) 168 Except on his faulchion arm Spell-proof he bear..The holy Trefoil's charm.
1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. vi. i. 370 A France spell-free, a Revolution saved.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
spelln.2
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ Now dialect.
1. A splinter, chip, fragment.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [noun] > a separate part > a fragment > splinter
shiverc1275
spillc1300
spelda1375
splint1398
splinter1398
slicea1400
splinderc1440
spilderc1475
spelder1530
spell1545
splitter1546
spleter1548
spilt1577
shivering1589
skilfer1598
spelcha1605
slifter1606
spilter?1646
slappet1768
1545 R. Ascham Toxophilus ii. f. 10v To swadle a bowe much about wyth bandes, verye seldome dothe anye good, excepte it be to kepe downe a spel in the backe.
1591 J. Harington tr. L. Ariosto Orlando Furioso xix. lxi. 150 The speares in spells and sundrie peeces flew, As if they had bene litle sticks or cane.
1610 G. Markham Maister-peece ii. cli. 450 This will heale any bone or spell, or any other stubbe.
1612 P. Pomarius Enchiridion Med. (new ed.) 100 Remoue the sharpe spels and splinters of bones.
1674 J. Ray N. Countrey Words in Coll. Eng. Words 44 A Spell or speal, a Splinter.
1811 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire I. 250 Large Slapits, Spels or fragments fly off, sometimes with loud explosions.
1829– in northern glossaries.
2. A bar, rail, or rung.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > [noun] > a horizontal object or part > rail
railc1330
rail treec1330
railera1500
spell1559
1559 Dunmow Churchw. MS. 43 Item, to John Hutt for spells for the bells, iid ob.
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 17 To a barre belongeth two heads,..into which the 4 spelles are to bee putte..the spelles are usually 6, 7, or sometimes 8 foote in length.
1796 W. Marshall Provincialisms E. Yorks. in Rural Econ. Yorks. (ed. 2) II. 346 Spel (vulg. speyl), a bar.
1864 J. Gilbert & G. C. Churchill Excurs. Dolomite Mts. 230 Upon a face of rock were two long beams of wood, with, instead of spells, notches cut in the timbers at irregular intervals.
3. The trap used in the game of spell and knur (also knor, null, etc.). Cf. knur n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > trap bat and ball > [noun]
trap1591
trap-ball1658
spell and knur (also knor, null, etc.)1781
northen-spell1801
trap (bat) and ball1825
trap-bat1842
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > trap bat and ball > [noun] > trap
trap1591
spell1781
trap-bat1842
1781 J. Hutton Tour to Caves (ed. 2) Gloss. 96 Spel-and-knor, the game of trap-stick.
a1809 T. Holcroft Memoirs (1816) I. 61 Spell and null, bandy, prison-bars, and other field games.
1816 Sporting Mag. 48 178 The games most common at Newmarket, were fives, spell and null, marbles, [and] chuck-farthing.
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2)
1862 C. C. Robinson Dial. Leeds & Neighbourhood 338 Underneath, at the four corners, are ‘prods’ wherewith the ‘spell’ is fixed into the earth.
1868 Notes & Queries 4th Ser. I. 325.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
spelln.3
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ 1. A set of persons taking a turn of work in order to relieve others; a relay, relief-gang, or shift. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to conditions > [noun] > one who relieves another worker > group of
spell1593
relay1698
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > [noun] > gang of > relieving another
spell1593
shift1879
1593 Sir F. Drake Revived (1628) 27 Rowing in the eddy..by spels, without ceasing, each company their halfe houre glasse.
1602 R. Carew Surv. Cornwall i. f. 10v In most places, their toyle is so extreame, as they cannot endure it aboue foure houres in a day, but are succeeded by spels.
1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ii. 9 In pumping they vse to take spels, that is, fresh men to releeue them.
a1665 K. Digby Jrnl. Voy. to Mediterranean (1868) 87 Yet I sent them an other fresh spell of men.
1851 G. Blyth Reminisc. Miss. Life II. 108 The fifteen or twenty persons who constituted the spell refused to go on.
2.
a. A turn of work taken by a person or set of persons in relief of another.
Π
a1625 H. Mainwaring Nomenclator Navalis (Harl. 2301) (at cited word) As when they pump a hundred strokes,..they call it a spell.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 30 To row, a spell, hold-water, trim the boate.
1644 H. Mainwaring Sea-mans Dict. 79 At a Chaine-Pump, the Spels goe by Glasses.
1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. 319 The First now takes his spell at Pulling: for the First and Second take their spell of Pulling and Beating an agreed number of Tokens.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (at cited word) Such are the spells, to the hand-lead in sounding; to the pump..and to steer the ship; which last..is generally called the trick.
1838 W. Holloway Gen. Dict. Provincialisms Spell, a turn, as one workman says to another:—‘now you take a spell’.
1850 G. Cupples Green Hand v. 59/2 I stays aboard the brig, works my spell in her, an' takes my trick at the helm.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped xvi. 147 The men gave way..with a good will, the passengers taking spells to help them.
b. to give a spell, to relieve another by taking a turn of work.
ΘΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)] > relieve another at work
to give a spell1750
shift1791
to keep or take spell1828
spell1861
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > substitute [verb (transitive)] > at work
relieve?1576
spell1595
to give a spell1750
to keep or take spell1828
to take over from1916
1750 T. R. Blanckley Naval Expositor 156 To give a Spell, is all one as to say, Work in such a one's Room.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan II. xviii. 138 One or two..were continually offering to give him a ‘spell’—or a ‘lift’—or a ‘turn’ [at counting his money].
1829 B. Hall Trav. N. Amer. I. 188 A poor old negro..begged to be taken in, and offered to give me a spell when I became tired.
c. Without article, in spell and spell (about), spell for spell; to keep or take spell.
ΘΠ
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > [adverb] > at work
spell and spell (about)1797
spell for spell1855
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)] > relieve another at work
to give a spell1750
shift1791
to keep or take spell1828
spell1861
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > substitute [verb (transitive)] > at work
relieve?1576
spell1595
to give a spell1750
to keep or take spell1828
to take over from1916
1797 S. James Narr. Voy. 202 They re-bailed out our boat..spell and spell about.
1799 Hull Advertiser 27 July 4/2 His faithful companions..worked incessantly (spell and spell) for nine days.
1828 Marly: Planter's Life in Jamaica 36 Plato takes spell after him.
1828 Marly: Planter's Life in Jamaica 36 Langbey was keeping spell, or in other words, had charge of the negroes employed in preparing the sugar.
1837 F. Marryat Snarleyyow III. xix. 287 We plied the pumps, 'twas spell and spell.
1855 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Yorks. Words 164 Spell for spell is fair play.
3.
a. A continuous course or period of some work, occupation, or employment; a turn or bout at something. Also without const.
ΘΠ
the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time > spell of some action
whilec1175
stint1533
crash1549
fleech1589
spell1707
return1763
run1864
fling period1885
go-round1911
jag1913
brannigan1928
society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > spell of work or duty
trick1669
time1696
stem1778
turn1793
tour of duty1800
spell1804
shift1809
steek1889
go-in1890
steek1895
stag1931
wink1937
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 34 He..believes there is no more Sin in taking a Spell with a Whore, than in pumping a leaky Vessel.
1804 Ld. Nelson 4 Nov. in Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VI. 257 The Termagant Sloop will be going to Lisbon—she has had a long spell of service.
1824 R. Southey in C. C. Southey Life & Corr. R. Southey (1850) V. 187 I have lately taken a pleasant spell at it, and have something more than a volume ready.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days i. ii. 39 The closeness of the men in action to one another..makes a spell at backswording a very noble sight.
1885 Manch. Examiner 18 Mar. 5/3 Twenty-five years without a holiday except on Sunday is certainly a remarkable spell of assiduous labour.
b. dialect and Australian. An interval or period of repose or relaxation; a rest. Examples from 1863 to 1975 may be found in Dict. Newfoundland Eng. (1982).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > [noun] > a period of
leisurec1449
non-terminus1573
Sabbatism1582
non-term1607
recess1620
playtime1631
by-hour1639
vacancy1654
relache1780
lounge1806
spellc1845
pink-eye1901
seventh-inning stretch1915
standoff1918
timeout1931
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > [noun] > rest > interval or period of
outspan1822
mike1825
spellc1845
c1845 J. Tucker Ralph Rashleigh (1929) xi. 146 Both men took a hoe and gave the children a spell.
1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words II Spell,..pleasure; relaxation. Somerset.
1852 G. C. Mundy Our Antipodes I. xi. 363 Your carriage horses will be all the better for a ‘spell’, (a rest).
1862 J. S. Dobie Jrnl. 10 Sept. in S. Afr. Jrnl. (1945) 23 Invited to stay and give my horse a day's spell.
1865 Tucker Austral. Story i. 84 The only recompense was..to light his pipe and have a ‘spell’.
1867 M. A. Barker Station Life N.Z. 128 We were all so breathless that a ‘spell’ (do you know that means ‘rest’?) would have been most acceptable.
1900 H. Lawson On Track 107 He did not go back to work that night; he took a spell.
1931 G. L. Nute Voyageur 96 Every five miles or so a halt was made to rest the dogs and to allow the men to smoke. These stops were termed ‘spells’ or ‘pipes’, and the voyageurs spoke of a day's journey as being so many spells or pipes.
1940 F. Sargeson Man & Wife (1944) 30 About half-way back to the shore he took a spell.
1954 B. Miles Stars my Blanket xix. 141 We stopped for a ‘spell’ in the sandy bed, spreading out ground-sheets in the shade of the trees that lined the centre of it.
1972 Regional Lang. Studies Newfoundland May 9 Spell, a period of rest or a short sleep. Used..in Newfoundland and in Anglo-Irish.
1977 N.Z. Herald 8 Jan. i. 9/2 Marie Kay has been back racing only a little over a month following a long, enforced spell.
c. spell oh! (or ho!), used as a call or signal, usually to rest or cease working; also = 3b.
ΘΠ
society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > rest or resting from work > signal for
spell oh! (or ho!)1836
1836 F. Marryat Snarleyyow ix, in Metropolitan Apr. 339 ‘Come now,’ said Coble, tossing off his glass, ‘spell oh!—let's have a song while they take their breath.’
1841 R. H. Dana Seaman's Man. 124 Spell ho!..used as an order or request to be relieved at work by another.
1891 W. Morris News from Nowhere vii. 51 So he stayed his pick and sang out, ‘Spell ho, mates! here are neighbours want to get past.’
1900 H. Lawson On Track 97 Bill..was having a spell-oh under the cask when the white rooster crowed.
4.
a. A period or space of time of indefinite length; usually with adjectives denoting duration, as long, short, etc.
ΘΠ
the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time
tidea900
while971
fristOE
stemOE
throwOE
timeOE
selea1250
piecec1300
termc1300
stagea1325
whilesc1330
space?a1400
racec1400
spacec1405
termine1420
parodya1425
timea1425
continuancec1440
thrallc1450
espace1483
space of timec1500
tracta1513
stead1596
reach1654
amidst1664
stretch1698
spell1728
track1835
lifetime1875
time slice1938
1728 J. Morgan Compl. Hist. Algiers I. iv. 265 The Corsairs met with a brisk Reception and were warmly entertained for a good Spell.
1775 B. Romans Conc. Nat. Hist. E. & W. Florida App. 56 Those unlucky persons..have lain that long spell wearing and tearing vessels and rigging.
1793 E. Gibbon Let. 29 Apr. (1956) I. 215 I hope to take a pretty long spell in town.
1836 F. Marryat Mr. Midshipman Easy II. x. 279 A hope that Mr. Easy would take his share of the duty, now that he had had such a spell on shore.
1860 M. Reid Hunters' Feast (new ed.) xxii It only halted a short spell, and then..it run up to the carcass.
1870 M. Bridgman Robert Lynne I. xii. 184 Thirty years! It is a good spell off a man's life.
b. A period having a certain character or spent in a particular way.
ΘΠ
the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time > period of certain character, condition, or events
dayOE
dayOE
summer day1563
tempestivity1569
set1633
stretch1689
period1712
run1714
tack1723
spell1827
dreamtime1844
time coursea1867
patch1897
dreaming1932
quality time1972
1827 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) IV. 175 The very sight of you..would go far towards giving these poor girls a spell of better health than..at present.
1885 ‘Mrs. Alexander’ At Bay i. 10 Then came a spell of wandering, of high play, of rage for costly excitement, which..beggared him in a few years.
1885 R. W. Dixon Hist. Church Eng. III. xix. 330 After a grievous spell of eighteen months on board the French galleys.
c. by spells, at intervals, now and again.
ΘΠ
the world > time > frequency > infrequency > [adverb] > intermittently
by (formerly also at) startsc1422
startmeal?c1422
off and on1535
every otherwhile1542
by, or in, snatches1577
by fits and turns1583
by halves and fits1583
one time with another1591
fit-meal1593
by fits and spurts1605
planetarily?1609
scatteredly1612
startinglya1616
by snaps1631
intermittingly1654
from space to space1658
on and off1668
at (by) intervals1744
cessantly1746
by spells1788
fitfully1792
by fits and spasms1797
everylikea1800
intermittently1800
intermittedly1829
interjectionally1837
jerkily1839
at seasons1850
sporadically1852
parenthetically1860
spasmodically1877
snatchily1880
variously1892
1788 Massachusetts Spy 4 Sept. 3/2 It had..rained by spells for three days before.
1821 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 3 Nov. 1056 To-day the fog came by spells.
1854 H. D. Thoreau Walden 270 I had an old axe..with which by spells in winter days..I played about the stumps.
1883 Harper's Mag. Mar. 602/1 All day by ‘spells’ I have been out helping Jack make the garden.
d. for a spell, for a time. In U.S. without preposition; also a spell ago, some time ago.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [adverb] > for a time
(for) a spacec1405
for a long, short, etc. season1465
a whilst1595
for a spell1745
the world > time > relative time > the past > past [phrase] > a while ago
a spell ago1745
(a)
(b)1745 D. Giddings Jrnl. 27 May in Essex Inst. Hist. Coll. (1912) XLVIII. 299 I..continued in ye Trench a Spell.1834 S. Smith Sel. Lett. Major Jack Downing lxxi. 204 I gritted my teeth a spell.1858 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 1st Ser. (rev. ed.) in Poet. Wks. II. 105 He stood a spell on one foot fust, Then stood a spell on tother.1884 Harper's Mag. Feb. 410/2 He tried doctorin' a spell.(c)1862 A. Trollope N. Amer. I. 186 I wish those masons..could be driven to the labour market of Western America for a spell.1890 Argus (Melbourne) 7 June 4/1 I..was told by an honest and sensible doctor to..get out in the bush and work for a spell.1834 C. A. Davis Lett. J. Downing, Major xxx. 250 Mahogany was as cheap as pine boards was a spell ago.
c1850 ‘Dow, Jr.’ in W. Jerdan Yankee Humour (1853) 88 That woman who broomed me out of the house a spell ago.
e. New Zealand. One of the periods into which a game of rugby is divided.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > [noun] > period of play
spell1900
1900 N.Z. Illustr. Mag. 3 237/1 Usually in the second spell, when play is getting more exciting.
1934 A. E. Mulgan Spur of Morning i. iii. 23 The school won a hard game by six to nil, a try in each spell.
f. Cricket. A period or series of overs during a session of play in which a bowler bowls unchanged.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > [noun] > alternation of ends in > series of
spell1976
1976 J. Snow Cricket Rebel 77 On that last afternoon at Colchester I took three quick wickets in my first spell.
1977 World of Cricket Monthly June 27/3 He was brilliantly caught by Richards at second-slip off Croft's first ball of a new spell.
5. attributive.1868 Pall Mall Gaz. 28 July 4 On the supposition that such ‘spell-weather’, as the Americans call it, is to last for ever.
a. A continuous period or stretch of a specified kind of weather.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > [noun] > spell of weather
season1608
slatcha1625
set1633
fit1690
series1723
spell1728
1728 T. Smith Jrnl. (1849) 265 For several days past, there has been a spell of comfortable weather.
1733 T. Smith Jrnl. (1849) 266 This whole week has been a spell of warm weather.
1775 G. Washington Let. to J. Reed (1852) 32 The setting in of a severe spell of cold weather, and a considerable fall of snow.
1808 R. Southey in C. C. Southey Life & Corr. R. Southey (1850) III. 163 We are now having a spell of wind and rain.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast iii. 16 We had now a long ‘spell’ of fine weather.
1897 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 3rd Ser. 8 663 If a spell of cold wind..should prevail.
b. With adjectives, as cold, hot, dry, wet, etc.
Π
1740 T. Smith Jrnl. in Jrnls. T. Smith & S. Deane (1849) 268 I believe no man ever knew so winter-like a spell so early in the year.
1797 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) IV. 157 You wish to know the state of the air here during the late cold spell.
1818 T. Hulme Jrnl. 15 July in W. Cobbett Year's Resid. U.S.A. (1819) iii. 350 The hot spells as well as the cold spells, seldom last more than three days.
1860 M. F. Maury Physical Geogr. Sea (ed. 8) iv. §241 The phenomena of cold and warm ‘spells’ are often observed in the United States.
1887 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 23 Aug. 5 Everybody found smoking on the streets..during the dry spell was liable to be arrested.
6. U.S. A period of being indisposed, out of sorts, or irritable; an attack or fit of illness or nervous excitement.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > [noun] > bout or attack of
onfalleOE
cothec1000
bitc1175
accessc1300
attacha1400
shota1400
swalma1400
storm1540
excess?1541
accession1565
qualm1565
oncome1570
grasha1610
attachment1625
ingruence1635
turn1653
attack1665
fit1667
surprise1670
drow1727
tossa1732
irruption1732
sick1808
tout1808
whither1808
spell1856
go1867
whip1891
the mind > emotion > excitement > nervous excitement > [noun] > fit of
widden-dreamOE
taking?1552
spell1856
wobbler1942
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill humour > [noun] > fit of
gloominga1400
terret1515
momurdotesc1540
the sullens1580
pirr1581
pet1590
snuff1592
mulligrubs1599
mumps1599
geea1605
mood1609
miff1623
tetch1623
frumps1671
strunt1721
hump1727
tiff1727
tift1751
huff1757
tig1773
tout1787
sulk1792
twita1825
fantigue1825
fuff1834
grumps1844
spell1856
the grumbles1861
grouch1895
snit1939
mardy1968
moody1969
strop1970
sull1972
cream puff1985
mard1998
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. II. iii. 47 An attack of partial epilepsy; one of those strange indescribable spells, fits, seizures, whatever name the jargon gives them, which indicate deep disturbance.
1869 H. B. Stowe Oldtown Folks xvi When Hepsy does get beat out she has spells, and she goes on awful, and they last day arter day.
1889 A. C. Gunter That Frenchman! xvii. 210 Oh! blues, hysteria, headache, tantrums—any ill that's particularly feminine, we call spells in America.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
spelln.4
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ colloquial.
A way or mode of spelling a word.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > [noun] > way or mode of spelling word, particular instance
spell1702
spelling1738
1702 C. Mather Magnalia Christi vii. v. 36/2 There were Eighteen horrid false Spells..in one very short Note that I received from him.
1801 Monthly Mag. 12 299 Why should this spell (as school children say, and, I think, rightly, for mode of spelling) be authorized?
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
spelln.5
Cant.
A playhouse or theatre. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > the theatre or the stage > a theatre > [noun]
houseOE
playhouseOE
playing-placea1375
showplace1560
show hall1562
theatre?1577
theatre-house1578
cockpita1616
stage-house1638
show house1674
saloon1747
theatrum1786
spellkenc1800
hippodrome1811
spell1819
show-box1822
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 209 Spell, the play-house.
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 199 They say, the push, as the push at the spell doors.
1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) (at cited word) ‘Precious rum squeeze at the spell,’ i.e. a good evening's work at the theatre.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
spellv.1
Obsolete or dialect.
1.
a. intransitive. To discourse or preach; to talk, converse, or speak.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)]
matheleOE
speakc888
spellc888
yedc888
i-quethec900
reirdOE
meldOE
meleOE
quidOE
i-meleOE
wordOE
to open one's mouth (also lips)OE
mootOE
spellc1175
carpa1240
spilec1275
bespeakc1314
adda1382
mella1400
moutha1400
utter?a1400
lalec1400
nurnc1400
parlec1400
talkc1400
to say forthc1405
rekea1450
to say on1487
nevena1500
quinch1511
quetch1530
queckc1540
walk1550
cant1567
twang1602
articulate1615
tella1616
betalk1622
sermocinate1623
to give tongue1737
jaw1748
to break stillness1768
outspeaka1788
to give mouth1854
larum1877
to make noises1909
verbal1974
society > faith > worship > preaching > preach [verb (intransitive)]
spellc888
bodec1000
preach?c1225
pulpitc1540
homilize1624
sermonize1635
concionatea1641
pronounce1663
pulpiteer1909
c888 Ælfred tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. xvi. §1 Þa ongan he eft spellian & þus cwæþ.
c950 Lindisf. Gosp. Luke xxiv. 15 Miððy [hia] woeron spellendo vel gespelledon.
c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 202 Mid deadum spellian, gestrion hit getacnað.
a1200 Vices & Virtues 121 Ða ðe Crist gann arst to spellen,..ða sade he [etc.].
a1375 Lay Folks Mass Bk. App. iv. 508 Iesus..dude him aȝeyn in paradis,..Wiþ speche as I ow spelle.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8520 He þat mikel has for to tell þe scortliker he aght to spell.
a1450 Le Morte Arth. 3722 What helpeth lenger for to spelle?
a1525 (c1448) R. Holland Bk. Howlat l. 99 in W. A. Craigie Asloan MS (1925) II. 98 He suld spedely speike & spair nocht to spell.
b. Const. of (the thing spoken of).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak [verb (intransitive)]
matheleOE
speakc888
spellc888
yedc888
i-quethec900
reirdOE
meldOE
meleOE
quidOE
i-meleOE
wordOE
to open one's mouth (also lips)OE
mootOE
spellc1175
carpa1240
spilec1275
bespeakc1314
adda1382
mella1400
moutha1400
utter?a1400
lalec1400
nurnc1400
parlec1400
talkc1400
to say forthc1405
rekea1450
to say on1487
nevena1500
quinch1511
quetch1530
queckc1540
walk1550
cant1567
twang1602
articulate1615
tella1616
betalk1622
sermocinate1623
to give tongue1737
jaw1748
to break stillness1768
outspeaka1788
to give mouth1854
larum1877
to make noises1909
verbal1974
society > faith > worship > preaching > preach [verb (transitive)]
bodea1000
sermonc1175
spellc1175
preacha1300
sermon1819
predicate1822
sermonize1860
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 6389 Þa lifess þatt icc habbe ȝuw. Summ del nu spelledd offe.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 10613 Til Domesday men schalle spelle..of Arthures dedes.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 95 Qua-sa will of hy[r] fa[y]rnes spell, Find he sal inogh to tell.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxxvii. l. 455 I beleve Ryht wel that this Is he of whom ȝe spelle.
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 379 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 310 Now of marschalle of halle wylle I spelle, And what falle to hys offyce now wylle y telle.
1530 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1846) 3rd Ser. II. 186 I assure your Grace shall sease and put to sylence sum persons that moche spelyth of the same.
2. transitive. To utter, declare, relate, tell.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > speak, say, or utter [verb (transitive)]
speakc825
queatheOE
forthdoc900
i-seggenc900
sayeOE
speak971
meleOE
quidOE
spella1000
forthbringc1000
givec1175
warpa1225
mootc1225
i-schirea1250
upbringa1250
outsay?c1250
spilec1275
talec1275
wisea1300
crackc1315
nevena1325
cast1330
rehearsec1330
roundc1330
spend1362
carpa1375
sermona1382
to speak outc1384
usea1387
minc1390
pronouncea1393
lancec1400
mellc1400
nurnc1400
slingc1400
tellc1400
wordc1400
yelpc1400
worka1425
utterc1444
outspeakc1449
yielda1450
arecchec1460
roose?a1475
cutc1525
to come forth with1532
bubble1536
prolate1542
report1548
prolocute1570
bespeak1579
wield1581
upbraid1587
up with (also mid) ——1594
name1595
upbrayc1600
discoursea1616
tonguea1616
to bring out1665
voice1665
emit1753
lip1789
to out with1802
pitch1811
go1836
to open one's head1843
vocabulize1861
shoot1915
verbal1920
be1982
a1000 Boeth. Metr. Proem 4 Him wæs lust micel ðæt he ðiossum leodum leoð spellode.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) Ded. l. 311 I wollde..Þatt all ennglisshe lede..Wiþþ tunge shollde spellenn itt.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 112 Acke of seint thomas him~selue þat beste cometh nou to spelle.
c1320 Cast. Love 692 No tonge ne may hit telle, Ne þouȝt þenche, ne mouþ spelle.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 20 I can noght thanne unethes spelle That I wende altherbest have rad.
c1426 J. Audelay Poems (1931) 26 He þat spekys and spedys noȝt, he spellys þe wynd.
c1485 Digby Myst. (1882) v. 275 Blessed is that soule that this speche spelles.
1509 S. Hawes Pastime of Pleasure (1845) xvi. 68 Pryvely I did his lesson spel, Sayeng to him, my chance and desteny Of al other is the moste unhappy.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online December 2020).
spellv.2
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ I. transitive.1890 G. Saintsbury in New Rev. Feb. 142 There can be no question..that ‘Republic’ usually spells ‘corruption’.1891 Spectator 27 June To go on trading on these terms would very soon spell ruin.
1. 1780 Mirror No. 75 What must be the state of him who sits down to spell the newspapers with the determined resolution of believing whatever he sees in print?1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in Poems 107 As they approach to spell the Age, the Name, And all the Titles of th' illustrious Dame.1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. III. 41 Reading all the newspapers, spelling the red-book and the directory.1848 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. v. 43 He was spelling the paper, with the help of his lips.
a. To read (a book, etc.) letter by letter; to peruse, or make out, slowly or with difficulty.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > read attentively or laboriously
spella1400
studya1425
nit1596
finger1653
syllable1724
society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > to read letter by letter
spella1400
spellc1813
spell1849
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14692 Your aun bok yee can noght spell.
c1400 Trevisa's Higden (Rolls) VII. 333 Lanfranc..took hym a þing with letter [L. abecedarium litterarum] for to spel.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 468/1 Spellyn (S. letters), sillabico.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 728/1 He hath bene at scole thys halfe yere and yet he can nat spell his pater noster.
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Rrr3v/2 He begins to spell the Letters.
b. With out or over.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > to read letter by letter
spella1400
spellc1813
spell1849
c1813 S. Smith in Lady Holland Mem. S. Smith (1855) I. vii. 157 He..spelt over the county paper on Sundays.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Witch of Atlas xxvi, in Posthumous Poems (1824) 37 All day the wizard lady sat aloof Spelling out scrolls of dread antiquity.
1864 W. M. Thackeray Denis Duval (1869) i. 4 It used to be my lot as a boy to spell out my lady Viscountess's letters to her.
c. To make (one's way) letter by letter in reading.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > reading > [verb (transitive)] > to read letter by letter
spella1400
spellc1813
spell1849
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 45 Not one man in five hundred could have spelled his way through a psalm.
2. figurative.
a. To discover or find out, to guess or suspect, by close study or observation. Also with out.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > discovery > research > find out by investigation [verb (transitive)] > by study or observation
findOE
to find outc1405
investigate?1495
to find forth?a1500
spell1587
research1588
rifle1614
excudate1831
work1840
approfound1885
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. i. 9 A plaine booke laide open to all men..to reade, and (as yee would say) euen to spell God therein.
1635 T. Jackson Humiliation Sonne of God viii. xxii. 252 The babes then did spel the Prophets meaning not amisse.
1691 A. Gavin Observ. Journy to Naples 82 Spelling nothing good from it, he went immediately to the Door of the Church.
1707 J. Norris Pract. Treat. Humility vii. 324 One may make a shift to spell out who is the gentleman, and who it is that would only be thought so.
1879 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXV. 333 That there should be a God, heathens might spell out.
b. To make out, understand, decipher, or comprehend, by study. Also with out.
ΘΚΠ
society > education > learning > study > [verb (transitive)] > understand by study
investigate?1495
spell1635
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > interpret [verb (transitive)]
unloukOE
areadOE
spele?c1225
inredec1315
expounda1340
construe1399
interpretate1517
explain1538
scan1562
disentraverse1610
unspherea1616
explicate1628
spell1635
disenvelop1741
extract1775
interpret1795
clarify1823
read1847
to read between the lines1866
1635 T. Jackson Humiliation Sonne of God viii. xvii. 189 Hee that could rightly spell the severall passages in the forementioned authors.
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 382 By what the Stars..In their conjunction met, give me to spell . View more context for this quotation
1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xi. 238 Christ is an unsearchable mercy: who can spell his wonderful name?
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. v. 77 Unskill'd to spell aright The oracles predictive of the woe.
1820 W. M. Praed Surly Hall 80, in Poems (1864) II. 117 He..spells a horse's teeth divinely.
1842 H. Rogers Ess. (1874) I. i. 36 The arts of spelling out and piecing the mouldering records of antiquity.
1886 E. Dowden Life Shelley (1887) I. ii. 72 Nor was his an intellect that could spell out patiently the lessons of nature.
c. To consider, contemplate, scan intently. Also with over.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > watch or observe
keepc1000
overseeOE
waitc1300
advisec1325
awaita1375
to wait on ——c1384
markc1400
contemplec1429
to keep (also have) an (or one's) eye on (also upon)a1450
to look straitly to?c1450
to wait after ——c1460
vizy1488
contemplatea1533
vise1551
pry?1553
observe1567
eye1592
over-eye?1592
watch1600
outwatch1607
spell1633
superintend1654
under-watch1654
tent1721
evigilate1727
twig1764
stag1796
eye-serve1800
spy1806
deek1825
screw1905
clock1911
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > consider, deliberate [verb (transitive)]
i-thenchec897
showeOE
i-mune971
thinkOE
overthinkOE
takec1175
umbethinkc1175
waltc1200
bethinkc1220
wend?c1225
weighc1380
delivera1382
peisea1382
considerc1385
musec1390
to look over ——a1393
advise?c1400
debatec1400
roll?c1400
revert?a1425
advertc1425
deliberc1425
movec1425
musec1425
revolvec1425
contemplec1429
overseec1440
to think overc1440
perpend1447
roil1447
pondera1450
to eat inc1450
involvec1470
ponderate?a1475
reputec1475
counterpoise1477
poisea1483
traversec1487
umbecast1487
digest1488
undercast1489
overhalec1500
rumble1519
volve?1520
compassa1522
recount1526
trutinate1528
cast1530
expend1531
ruminate1533
concoct1534
contemplate1538
deliberate1540
revolute1553
chawa1558
to turn over1568
cud1569
cogitate1570
huik1570
chew1579
meditatec1580
discourse1581
speculate1599
theorize1599
scance1603
verse1614
pensitate1623
agitate1629
spell1633
view1637
study1659
designa1676
introspect1683
troll1685
balance1692
to figure on or upon1837
reflect1862
mull1873
to mull over1874
scour1882
mill1905
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems iv Will great God measure with a wretch? Shall he thy stature spell?
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 118 So that in short (all circumstances spell'd together) I may safely say [etc.].
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. vii. 148 I will sit on this footstool at thy feet, that I may spell over thy splendour.
1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. iii. 65 As if he were in the act of internally spelling and dissecting every lineament and feature.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 112 For still I find Your face is practised when I spell the lines.
d. To turn out (literary work or writing) with some difficulty.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > art or occupation of writer or author > be the author of or write (a work) [verb (transitive)] > compose with difficulty
spell1829
1829 W. Scott Jrnl. 15 May (1946) 66 I have spelld out some work this day, though I have been rather knockd about.
3. figurative.1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) Pref. sig. ī.iijv Though these things be but the Elements and Alphabet of breeding, yet without them he can neuer spel gentleman rightly.† f. U.S. To put to the test in spelling. Obsolete.
a. To name or set down in order the letters of (a word or syllable); to enunciate or write letter by letter; to denote by certain letters in a particular order.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (transitive)]
writeOE
spelderc1175
spella1595
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (transitive)] > form a word with letters
spella1595
spell1834
a1595 R. Southwell Virgins Salutation in Mæoniæ Spell Eva back and Ave shall you find.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. i. 46 What is Ab speld backward with the horne on his head? View more context for this quotation
1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. x. 151 Cause also euery one to spel the words which he hath made in Latine,..so as [etc.].
1693 J. Dryden Disc. conc. Satire in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires p. xxviii If this be so, then 'tis false spell'd throughout this Book.
1693 J. Dryden Disc. conc. Satire in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires p. xxviii The French..never spell it any other way than Satire.
1751 T. Gray Elegy xxi. 9 Their name, their years, spelt by th' unletter'd Muse, The place of fame and elegy supply.
1785 W. Cowper Task i. 283 Leaving an obscure, rude name, In characters uncouth, and spelt amiss.
1842 Proc. Philol. Soc. 1 7 Their mode of spelling the passive participle.
1888 H. Sweet Hist. Eng. Sounds (new ed.) 70 The same word may be spelt in half-a-dozen different ways on the same page.
b. Similarly with out.
ΚΠ
1867 Chambers's Encycl. IX. 52/2 The medium, under spirit-guidance, spelling out the requisite words.
1871 ‘M. Legrand’ Cambr. Freshman 356 The machine was clicking away, and the needle rapidly spelling out its message.
1899 F. T. Bullen Way Navy 88 The discordant notes of sirens spelling out each ship's name.
c. Of letters: To form (a word).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (transitive)] > form a word with letters
spella1595
spell1834
1834 F. Marryat Jacob Faithful I. iv. 3 What doth c-a-t spell.
1853 C. Dickens Bleak House v. 41 He went on quickly, until he had formed..the word Jarndyce... ‘What does that spell?’ he asked me.
d. slang. (See quot. 1864.)
ΚΠ
1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) Spell, to advertise, to put into print.
e. U.S. to spell (someone) down: to defeat (someone) in a spelling-contest.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (transitive)] > defeat in spelling contest
to spell (someone) down1854
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > other specific games > [verb (transitive)] > defeat at spelling
to spell (someone) down1854
1854 B. F. Taylor January & June 259 They all stand in solid phalanx by schools, and the struggle is, to spell each other down.
1866 C. H. Smith Bill Arp, so Called 171 He therefore proposed to put Mr. Fretman on the stand and spell him.
1871 E. Eggleston Hoosier School-master iv. 47 Ralph dreaded the loss of influence..if he should be easily spelled down.
1932 Randolph Enterprise (Elkins, W. Va.) 18 Feb. 4/5 He was fairly spelled down at close of my school at Job, spring 1882, by a little girl not 7 years old.
1952 T. Pyles Words & Ways Amer. Eng. (1954) v. 82 He who misspelled had to take his seat; the master's purpose was to ‘spell down’ the pupils.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (transitive)] > put to test in spelling
spell1866
1866 C. H. Smith Bill Arp, so Called 171 He then spelt him right straight along on all sorts of big words, and little words.
g. figurative. to spell out (originally U.S.): to explain (something) step by step; to state explicitly or in detail.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > clarity > give (thought) clear expression [verb (transitive)]
upknit1596
chisel1793
to spell out1940
1940 San Francisco News 31 Dec. 11 In the interest of clarifying public opinion, these opponents should spell out their position fully.
1952 B. Wolfe Limbo (1953) xxiv. 390 Spelling out the bald verities to a retarded child.
1956 J. Potts Diehard xiii. 196 If you weren't such a fool you'd know it too. You want me to spell it out in words of one syllable for you?
1960 Guardian 1 Nov. 8/5 Dr. Kaldor would apparently have us spell all these things out. But..there really is a limit to the amount of detail..to which a party in Opposition can commit itself.
1973 G. W. Turner Stylistics vi. 171 An electrician asking which of three wires is ‘the earth’ clearly means ‘the earth(ed) wire’ or ‘the wire connected with the earth’, but hardly needs to spell it out.
1978 J. A. Michener Chesapeake v. 239 With studied care Thomas Janney spelled out the terms of the deal he had arranged.
4. figurative.† a. to spell (one) backward, to misrepresent; to pervert. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > misrepresentation > misrepresent [verb (transitive)]
disguise1398
colourc1400
abuse?a1439
wrest1524
beliec1531
to spell (one) backward1600
misuse1609
bowa1616
falsify1630
misrepresent1633
traduce1643
garble1659
miscolour1661
misrender1674
travesty1825
misdescribe1827
skew1872
misportray1925
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing iii. i. 61 I neuer yet saw man..But she would spel him backward . View more context for this quotation
1669 Bp. E. Hopkins Serm. (1685) 42 What is this but to spell the Magistrates backwards and to give him that power over your consciences by his prohibitions, which you deny to his commands?
b. to spell..short, to express by a shorter and blunter term.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > conciseness > put concisely or briefly [verb (transitive)]
brevyc1503
stenography1652
to spell‥short1857
nutshell1883
tabloid1909
1857 T. De Quincey R. Bentley (rev. ed.) in Select. Grave & Gay VII. 76 A dedication..was what the French used to understand by a pot-de-vin; in fact, ‘spelt short’, it was a bribe.
c. to spell baker, to have, or perform, a difficult task. U.S. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > present difficulties [verb (intransitive)] > have difficulty > have to contend with difficulties
to row against the (wind and) tide (also stream, flood, etc.)c1230
to have a tough (hard, long, etc.) row to hoe1810
to spell baker1868
to bat (also play) on a sticky wicket1930
1868 H. W. Longfellow Giles Corey ii. i If an old man will marry a young wife, Why then—why then—why then—he must spell Baker!
d. to spell able (see quot.). U.S. colloquial.
ΚΠ
1909 Cent. Dict. Suppl. s.v. Able To spell able, to be able; to have all the ability and strength needed (for some particular purpose).
5. To amount to; to signify, imply, or involve.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > mean [verb (transitive)]
meaneOE
beholdc1175
spele?c1225
bemeana1300
amountc1300
willa1382
import1425
employ1528
intend?c1530
would say1564
understand1617
spella1661
a1661 Fuller in Webster's New Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. (1890) The Saxon heptarchy, when seven kings put together did spell but one in effect.
II. intransitive.
6.
a. To form words by means of letters; to repeat or set down the letters of words; to read off the separate letters forming a word or words.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > spelling > spell [verb (intransitive)]
spelderc1175
spelea1400
spella1400
writec1620
a1400–50 Alexander 630 He..wonder wele leres, Sped him in a schort space to spell & to rede.
1570 P. Levens Manipulus Vocabulorum sig. Eiv/2 To Spel, syllabam coponere.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet ii. ii. 88 Oh she knew well Thy loue did read by rote, and could not spell . View more context for this quotation
1673 J. Milton Sonnets xi, in Poems (new ed.) 56 Some in file Stand spelling fals.
1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Matt. xiii. 13 I speak to them in similitudes, as children must be first taught to spell.
1712 J. Swift Proposal for Eng. Tongue 23 A foolish Opinion..that we ought to spell exactly as we speak.
a1764 R. Lloyd Poet in Poet. Wks. (1774) II. 23 Those who cannot spell will Talk.
1816 Ld. Byron Sketch 14 She taught the child to read, and taught so well, That she herself, by teaching, learn'd to spell.
1870 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Gleanings 2nd Ser. 137 He never could spell accurately.
b. figurative. To engage in study or contemplation of something. poetic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > thought > continued thinking, reflection, contemplation > thinking about, consideration, deliberation > think about, consider [verb (intransitive)]
thinkOE
thinkOE
bethinka1200
umthinka1300
to have mind ofc1300
casta1340
studya1375
delivera1382
to chew the cudc1384
to take advisementa1393
stema1400
compassc1400
advisec1405
deliberc1405
to make it wisec1405
to take deliberationc1405
enter?a1413
riddlec1426
hovec1440
devise?c1450
to study by (also in) oneself?c1450
considerc1460
porec1500
regard1523
deliberate1543
to put on one's thinking or considering cap1546
contemplate1560
consult1565
perpend1568
vise1568
to consider of1569
weigh1573
ruminate1574
dascanc1579
to lay to (one's) heart1588
pondera1593
debate1594
reflect1596
comment1597
perponder1599
revolvea1600
rumine1605
consider on, upon1606
to think twice1623
reflex1631
spell1645
ponderatea1652
to turn about1725
to cast a thought, a reflection upon1736
to wake over1771
incubatea1847
mull1857
fink1888
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 44 The..Mossy Cell, Where I may sit and rightly spell, Of every Star that Heav'n doth shew.
a1771 T. Gray Imit. Propertius in Wks. (1814) II. 86 Then let me rightly spell of nature's ways.
c. To make (specified) progress in spelling. U.S.
ΚΠ
1857 E. Stone Life of Howland i. 17 After many trials he succeeded in ‘spelling up’ next to the head [sc. of the class].
7.
a. To intimate or suggest a desire for something; to ask for, either by hints or direct request.West Flemish spellen is similarly used (De Bo).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > for something
bid971
aska1200
seekc1366
cravec1386
entreat1427
inquire?a1513
beg1576
incall1591
urgea1616
woo1615
clamour1651
to call on ——1721
tout1731
spell1790
1790 J. Bentham Wks. (1843) X. 230 Was it natural..to spell for such a thing in the most distant manner?
a1817 J. Austen Persuasion (1818) IV. x. 215 I had not the smallest intention of asking him,..but he gave so many hints;..I never saw any body in my life spell harder for an invitation.
1840 J. H. Newman Lett. (1891) I. 429 Before I had given him anything, he began to spell for something.
1860 J. H. Newman Lett. & Corr. (1891) II. 105 It will be observed..that he ‘spelled’ for the curacy.
1876 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Words Whitby ‘He was a good hand at spelling for't,’ clever at entreaty.
b. With other constructions.
ΚΠ
1809 R. Cumberland John de Lancaster II. 52 Nephew David spells hard to borrow him, but I won't lend him to David of all men living.
1821 W. Combe Third Tour Dr. Syntax xxxvii. 198 Syntax, with native keenness felt At what the cunning tradesman spelt.
1855 F. K. Robinson Gloss. Yorks. Words 164 ‘He spell'd hard in the matter,’ he endeavoured perseveringly to gain his point.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
spellv.3
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ 1.
a. transitive. To take the place of (a person) at some work or labour; to relieve (another) by taking a turn at work. Now U.S.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (transitive)] > relieve (a person) at work
spell1595
shift1673
relay1788
to cover for1968
the world > time > change > exchange > substitution > substitute [verb (transitive)] > at work
relieve?1576
spell1595
to give a spell1750
to keep or take spell1828
to take over from1916
1595 W. Raleigh Discov. Guiana (1596) 44 Euery gentleman and others taking their turns to row, and to spell one the other at the howers end.
1823 T. Roughley Jamaica Planter's Guide 340 Sometimes there are two ostensible boilers to spell and relieve one another.
1823 T. Roughley Jamaica Planter's Guide 340 When he is obliged to be spelled, for the purpose of natural rest [etc.].
1857 S. G. Goodrich Recoll. Lifetime I. 62 I was sometimes permitted..to spell my father in this favorite employment [sc. shelling corn].
1873 J. R. Lowell Lett. (1894) II. 91 He tells me that the Finns recite their poems six or seven hours on the stretch, spelling one another, as we say in New England.
b. To relieve by an interval of rest; to rest (esp. a horse). Chiefly Australian.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > refreshment or invigoration > refresh or invigorate [verb (transitive)]
akeleOE
restOE
comfort1303
ease1330
quickc1350
recurea1382
refresha1382
refetec1384
restorec1384
affilea1393
enforcec1400
freshc1405
revigour?a1425
recomfortc1425
recreatec1425
quicken?c1430
revive1442
cheerc1443
refection?c1450
refect1488
unweary1530
freshen1532
corroborate1541
vige?c1550
erect?1555
recollect?1560
repose1562
respite1565
rouse1574
requicken1576
animate1585
enlive1593
revify1598
inanimate1600
insinew1600
to wind up1602
vigorize1603
inspiritc1610
invigour1611
refocillate1611
revigorate1611
renovate1614
spriten1614
repaira1616
activate1624
vigour1636
enliven1644
invigorate1646
rally1650
reinvigorate1652
renerve1652
to freshen up1654
righta1656
re-enlivena1660
recruita1661
enlighten1667
revivify1675
untire1677
reanimate1694
stimulate1759
rebrace1764
refreshen1780
brisken1799
irrigate1823
tonic1825
to fresh up1835
ginger1844
spell1846
recuperate1849
binge1854
tone1859
innerve1880
fiercen1896
to tone up1896
to buck up1909
pep1912
to zip up1927
to perk up1936
to zizz up1944
hep1948
to zing up1948
juice1964
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > cease from temporarily [verb (transitive)] > cause to cease temporarily > give rest to
restOE
abreathec1425
breathea1470
repose1562
sabbatize1701
spell1846
to rest up1974
1846 J. L. Stokes Discov. Austral. II. i. 42 In order to spell the oars, we landed at a point on the east side.
1867 H. Bushnell Moral Uses Dark Things 252 Nature is put under a heavy pressure..; spelled by no relaxations, freshened by no play of society.
1885 R. C. Praed Head Station III. xli. 202 They are camping at Araluen and spelling the horses.
2. Nautical. To take a turn or turns of work at (the pump, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > duties > [verb (transitive)] > take turn at task
spell1769
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine (at cited word) Thus we say, spell the pump, spell the lead, &c.
?1782 Loss of H.M.S. Centaur 3 The Captain was obliged to turn all hands up to spell the pump.
3. intransitive.
a. To replace one set of workers by another; to take turns.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > working > [verb (intransitive)] > relieve another at work
to give a spell1750
shift1791
to keep or take spell1828
spell1861
1861 H. Mayhew London Labour (new ed.) III. 247/2 We go on in that way throughout the day, spelling at every 28 tons.
b. Australian. To take an interval of rest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > temporarily cease activity or operation [verb (intransitive)] > rest
restOE
to hang up one's hatcheta1350
to latch one's ease, one's leave1377
sabbatize1382
roc1460
repose1494
repause1526
respire1566
respite1587
requiesce1653
to rest (also lie) on one's oars1726
to lay off1841
to rest up1858
spell1880
to lie off1891
1880 Victoria in 1880 114 He ‘spelled’ upon the ground.
1890 Argus (Melbourne) 13 June 6/1 Working a steady stroke through the day, smoking and spelling as they willed.
1893 J. A. Barry Steve Brown's Bunyip 2 It was Sunday, and the caravan was spelling for the day.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
spellv.4
/spɛl/, U.S. /spɛl/ 1.
a. transitive. To charm, fascinate, bewitch, bind by (or as by) a spell; to act as a spell upon.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [verb (transitive)]
bigaleOE
biwihelea1225
bewitchc1225
witchc1300
sigalder1303
bichantc1330
becharm1340
enchant1377
charmc1380
forspeakc1440
ensorte1477
encharm1480
conjurea1535
ensorcell1589
fascinate1603
spell1646
maleficiate1651
to cast the glamour over one?17..
maleficate1701
spell-bind1808
makutu1825
trick1829
glamour1832
bespell1894
wizard1898
to put the fluence on1909
effascinate-
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > attracting attention > engage the attention [verb (transitive)] > hold attention, absorb
swallowc1330
deepc1380
dare1547
suspend1561
preoccupy1567
devour1568
to swallow up1581
enwrap1589
invest1601
steep1603
to take up1603
spell1646
possess1653
enchain1658
engross1661
absorb1749
fix1752
rivet1762
fascinate1782
spell-bind1808
arrest1814
mesmerize1862
to turn on1903
get1913
consume1999
1646 G. Buck Hist. Life Richard III iv. 116 For a time he was much speld with Elianor Talbot.
1683 J. Dryden & N. Lee Duke of Guise iv. iii. 44 He durst not touch me; But aw'd and craven'd as he had been spell'd [etc.].
1793 F. Burney Let. 29 Feb. in Diary & Lett. (1842) V. 397 Susanna's temporary widowhood..has..spelled me with a spell I know not how to break.
1816 J. Keats To a Friend who sent me some Roses 12 But when..thy roses came to me My sense with their deliciousness was spell'd.
1876 Good Words 17 687 We stayed our walk—spelled to the spot—to watch The sunset glorifying earth and sky.
b. To protect (one) from, to drive away, by means of a spell or charm.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)] > by a spell
spell1691
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [verb (transitive)] > protect with a spell
charm1554
spell1691
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [verb (transitive)] > change or move by enchantment
charm away1549
witch1608
ycharmc1620
spell1876
1691 J. Dryden King Arthur i. i. 6 Thor, Freya, Woden, hear, and spell your Saxons, With Sacred Runick Rhimes, from Death in Battle.
1876 Tinsley's Mag. 18 240 Thy soft voice spelled away All my dearth.
2. To invest with magical properties.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > [verb (transitive)] > invest with magic
spell1697
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 109 This, gather'd in the Planetary Hour, With noxious Weeds, and spell'd with Words of pow'r, Dire Stepdames in the Magick Bowl infuse. View more context for this quotation
Derivatives
spelled adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [adjective] > enchanted
forspokena1300
bewitcheda1387
charmedc1440
witched1543
owlblasted1603
maleficiate1622
sparrow-blasteda1652
fated1697
elf-struck1699
hagged1699
starstruck1707
enchanted1710
glamoured1724
spell-bound1799
elf-stricken1825
spelled1838
puckfoisted1890
bespelled1902
1838 S. Bellamy Betrayal 22 To such end his spell'd appearance wrought.
ˈspelling adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the occult > sorcery, witchcraft, or magic > enchantment or casting spells > [adjective]
charming1382
witchinga1400
enchanting1555
conjuring1575
Circean1609
spellinga1616
effascinating1616
fascinating1618
becharming1638
fascinous1666
ensorcelling1883
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. iv. 2 Vnchaine your spirits now with spelling Charmes. View more context for this quotation
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
† spellv.5
Nautical. Obsolete.
(See quots.)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > trim sails > empty sail of wind > discharge wind from sail
spell1685
spill1875
1685 N. Boteler Six Dialogues Sea-services 167 Take in the Missen-mast; or at the least, Peek it up: which Peeking up is called Spelling the Missen.
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Spell, a Sea Word signifying to let go the Sheats and Bowlings of a Sail, (chiefly the Missen) and Bracing the weather Brace in the Wind, that the Sail may lie loose in the Wind.
1711 Mil. & Sea Dict. (ed. 4) at Spell This Word is most commonly us'd to the Mizzen-Sail; for when they take it in, or speek it up, they say spell the Mizzen.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
spellv.6
dialect.
1. transitive.
a. To fit with bars or cross-pieces.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > horizontal position or condition > place in horizontal position [verb (transitive)] > furnish with horizontal rails
rail1577
spella1642
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 65 The best way for spellinge of an hive is to putte in the two lowermost spelles aboute 4 wreathes from the bottome of the hive, and the two uppermost spelles just 4 wreathes above them.
b. To put into splints.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > surgery > treatments uniting or replacing parts > unite or replace parts [verb (transitive)] > set bones or dislocations > splint
spelkc1000
splint1543
splinter1720
spell1886
1886 R. E. G. Cole Gloss. Words S.-W. Lincs. 138 The Doctor did not spell it while to-day.
2. transitive and intransitive. To splinter.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (intransitive)] > shatter or break to pieces or burst
to-burstc893
forbursta1000
springOE
to-flyc1000
to-shootc1000
to-springc1000
to-drevea1225
to-resea1225
to-breakc1230
to go shiversc1275
to-drivec1275
to-rivec1275
to-shenec1275
to-wendc1275
debruise1297
lash13..
to-dashc1300
to-scatter13..
to-shiver13..
shiverc1330
bequash1377
shinderc1390
brasta1400
bursta1400
to-shiderc1450
to fly in pieces1488
sprent1488
splindera1500
reavec1560
dishiver1562
shatter1567
disshiver1586
split1590
slent1608
besplit1638
disrupt1657
splintera1661
rupture1734
explode1784
to ding in staves1786
to break, knock etc., or go, to smash1798
spell1811
to go (also run) smash1818
to play smash1841
bust1844
splitter1860
disrump1886
to fall into staves1895
smash1904
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > breaking or cracking > break [verb (transitive)] > break to pieces, shatter, or burst
to-breakc888
briteOE
to-shenec950
abreakOE
forgnidea1000
to-brytc1000
to-burstc1000
to-driveOE
shiverc1200
to-shiverc1200
to-reavec1225
shiverc1250
debruise1297
to-crack13..
to-frushc1300
to-sliftc1315
chinec1330
littlec1350
dingc1380
bruisea1382
burst1382
rushc1390
shinderc1390
spald?a1400
brittenc1400
pashc1400
forbruise1413
to break, etc. into sherds1426
shattera1450
truncheon1477
scarboyle1502
shonk1508
to-shattera1513
rash1513
shidera1529
grind1535
infringe1543
dishiver1562
rupture1578
splinter1582
tear1582
disshiver1596
upburst1596
to burst up1601
diminish1607
confract1609
to blow (shiver, smash, tear, etc.) to or into atoms1612
dishatter1615
vanquashc1626
beshiver1647
disfrange1778
smash1778
explode1784
bust1806
spell1811
smithereen1878
shard1900
1811 J. Farey Gen. View Agric. Derbyshire I. 367 On his return, [he] finds all the Vein-stuff so furrowed, spelled, or slappeted off.
1829 S. Glover Hist. County of Derby I. 81 Where the hard 1st toadstone also, in the gates and shafts, thus spels off.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1914; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1c888
n.21545n.31593
n.41702n.51819
v.1c888v.2a1400v.31595v.4a1616v.51685v.6a1642