[spɛl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- write or name the letters that form (a word) in correct sequence
(e.g: Dolly spelled her name)

- be a sign or characteristic of
(e.g: she had the chic, efficient look that spells Milan)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English: shortening of Old French espeller, from the Germanic base of spell

[spɛl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a form of words used as a magical charm or incantation
(e.g: a spell is laid on the door to prevent entry)


Phrases:
- under a spell
- under someone's spell

Origin:
Old English spel(l) ‘narration’, of Germanic origin

[spɛl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a short period
(e.g: I want to get away from racing for a spell)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: variant of dialect spele ‘take the place of’, of unknown origin. The early sense of the noun was ‘shift of relief workers’

[spɛl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- allow (someone) to rest briefly by taking their place in an activity
(e.g: I got sleepy and needed her to spell me for a while at the wheel)


Phrases:

Origin:
late 16th century: variant of dialect spele ‘take the place of’, of unknown origin. The early sense of the noun was ‘shift of relief workers’

[spɛl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a splinter of wood


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English: perhaps a variant of obsolete speld ‘chip, splinter’