Collins English-English Dictionary

spell [spεl]

1. 1. vb to write or name in correct order the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)

2. 2. vt. [tr] (of letters) to go to make up the conventionally established form of (a word) when arranged correctly

   d-o-g spells dog

3. 3. vt. [tr] to indicate or signify

   such actions spell disaster for our cause

4. 4. vt. See also spell out

5. 5. vt. [Etymology] C13: from Old French espeller, of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse spialla to talk, Middle High German spellen

spell [spεl]

1. 1. n a verbal formula considered as having magical force

2. 2. n any influence that can control the mind or character; fascination

3. 3. n a state induced by or as if by the pronouncing of a spell; trance

   to break the spell

4. 4. vt. [tr] [rare] to place under a spell

5. 5. vt. [Etymology] Old English spell speech; related to Old Norse spjall tale, Gothic spill, Old High German spel

spell [spεl]

1. 1. n an indeterminate, usually short, period of time

   a spell of cold weather

2. 2. n a period or tour of duty after which one person or group relieves another

3. 3. n [Scot, Austral, and NZ] a period or interval of rest

4. 4. vt. [tr] to take over from (a person) for an interval of time; relieve temporarily

5. 5. vt. [Etymology] Old English spelian to take the place of, of obscure origin