noun

1. a word, formula, or form of words thought to have some magic power; incantation
2. seemingly magical power or irresistible influence; charm; fascination
3. a trance

Etymology: ME < OE, a saying, tale, charm, akin to Goth spill, tale < ? IE base *(s)pel-, to speak loudly

transitive verb spelled or spelt, spelling spell′·ing

1. to name, write, or signal the letters which make up (a word, syllable, etc.), esp. the right letters in the right order, together with any required hyphens, apostrophes, accents, etc.
2. to make up, or form (a word, etc.): said of specified letters
3. to signify; mean hard work spelled success

Etymology: ME spellen < OFr espeller, to explain, relate < Frank *spellōn, akin to spell

intransitive verb

transitive verb spelled, spelling spell′·ing

1. Informal to serve or work in place of (another), esp. so as to give a period of rest to; relieve
2. Chiefly Austral. to give a period of rest to

Etymology: ME spelien < OE spelian, to substitute for, akin to spala, a substitute

intransitive verb

noun

1. a turn of serving or working in place of another
2. a period or turn of work, duty, etc. a two-year spell as reporter
3. a turn, period, or fit of something a spell of brooding
4. a period of a specified sort of weather a cold spell
5. Informal a period of time that is indefinite, short, or of a specified character
6. ☆ Dialectal a short distance
7. Informal a period or fit of some illness, indisposition, etc.
8. Chiefly Austral. a period of rest or relief from activity