n. & v.
n. 1 a cylindrical device on which thread, silk, yarn, paper, film, wire, etc., are wound. 2 a quantity of thread etc. wound on a reel. 3 a device for winding and unwinding a line as required, esp. in fishing. 4 a revolving part in various machines. 5 a a lively folk or Scottish dance, of two or more couples facing each other. b a piece of music for this.
v. 1 tr. wind (thread, a fishing-line, etc.) on a reel. 2 tr. (foll. by in, up) draw (fish etc.) in or up by the use of a reel. 3 intr. stand or walk or run unsteadily. 4 intr. be shaken mentally or physically. 5 intr. rock from side to side, or swing violently. 6 intr. dance a reel. reel off say or recite very rapidly and without apparent effort. reeler n.
[ OE hreol, of unkn. orig. ]