"spell" Definition

Definitions for the word "spell" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v.
(past and past part. Spelt or spelled) 1 (also absol.) Write or name correctly the letters of (a word etc.). 2 a (of letters) form (a word etc.). B result in (spell ruin). spell out 1 make out (words etc.) Letter by letter. 2 explain in detail. speller n. [french espeller related to *spell2]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
2. n.
1 words used as a charm or incantation etc. 2 effect of these. 3 fascination exercised by a person, activity, etc. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
3. n.
1 short or fairly short period (a cold spell). 2 period of some activity or work. [old english, = substitute]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
4. slang
a turn of work, an interval of time. “Take a SPELL at the capstern.”—_Sea._ “He took a long SPELL at that tankard.” “After a long SPELL.”
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
5. slang
“to SPELL for a thing,” to hanker after it, to desire possession.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
6. slang
to advertise, to put into print. “SPELT in the leer,” _i.e._, advertised in the newspaper.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
7. slang
contracted from SPELLKEN. “Precious rum squeeze at the SPELL,” _i.e._, a good evening’s work at the theatre, might be the remark of a successful pickpocket.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "spell" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "spell" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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