Definitions for the word "reel" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
A lively dance of the Highlanders of Scotland; also, the music to the dance; -- often called Scotch reel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A frame with radial arms, or a kind of spool, turning on an axis, on which yarn, threads, lines, or the like, are wound; as, a log reel, used by seamen; an angler's reel; a garden reel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A machine on which yarn is wound and measured into lays and hanks, -- for cotton or linen it is fifty-four inches in circuit; for worsted, thirty inches.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A device consisting of radial arms with horizontal stats, connected with a harvesting machine, for holding the stalks of grain in position to be cut by the knives.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To roll.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To wind upon a reel, as yarn or thread.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To incline, in walking, from one side to the other; to stagger.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To have a whirling sensation; to be giddy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
The act or motion of reeling or staggering; as, a drunken reel.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
1 cylindrical device on which thread, silk, yarn, paper, film, wire, etc., are wound. 2 quantity of thread etc. Wound on a reel. 3 device for winding and unwinding a line as required, esp. In fishing. 4 revolving part in various machines. 5 a lively folk or scottish dance. B music for this. v. 1 wind (thread, fishing-line, etc.) On a reel. 2 (foll. By in, up) draw (fish etc.) In or up with a reel. 3 stand, walk, or run unsteadily. 4 be shaken mentally or physically. 5 rock from side to side, or swing violently. 6 dance a reel. reel off say or recite very rapidly and without apparent effort. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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