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.
Phrases and idioms:
reel off say or recite very rapidly and without apparent effort.
Derivatives:
reeler n.
Etymology: OE hreol, of unkn. orig.