~ 1
■ verb ( past and past participle ~ed or chiefly Brit. spelt )
1》 write or name the letters that form (a word) in correct sequence.
↘(of letters) make up or form (a word).
2》 be a sign of; lead to: the plans would ~ disaster for the economy.
3》 ( ~ something out ) explain something in detail.
Derivatives
~ing noun
Origin
ME: shortening of OFr. e~er , from the Gmc base of ~ 2 .
————————
~ 2
■ noun
1》 a form of words used as a magical charm or incantation.
2》 a state of enchantment or influence induced by or as if by a ~.
Origin
OE spel(l) 'narration', of Gmc origin.
————————
~ 3
■ noun
1》 a short period of time.
↘ Austral./NZ a period of rest from work.
2》 Cricket a series of overs in which a particular bowler bowls.
■ verb chiefly N. Amer. take someone's place in order to allow them to rest briefly.
↘ Austral./NZ take a brief rest.
Origin
C16: var. of dialect spele 'take the place of', of unknown origin.
————————
~ 4
■ noun a splinter of wood.
Origin
ME: perh. a var. of obs. speld 'chip, splinter'.