n. & v.
--n.
1. a a reel for winding magnetic tape, photographic film, etc., on. b a reel for winding yarn or US thread on. c a quantity of tape, yarn, etc., wound on a spool.
2 the revolving cylinder of an angler's reel.
--v.tr. wind on a spool.
Etymology: ME f. OF espole or f. MLG spole, MDu. spoele, OHG spuolo, of unkn. orig.