Words or a formula supposed to have magical powers. from 16th c.
A magical effect or influence induced by an incantation or formula. from 16th c.
Speech, discourse. 8th-15th c.
A shift (of work); a set of workers responsible for a specific turn of labour. from 16th c.
A definite period (of work or other activity). from 18th c.
An indefinite period of time (usually with a qualifier); by extension, a relatively short distance. from 18th c.
A period of rest; time off. from 19th c.
A period of illness, or sudden interval of bad spirits, disease etc. from 19th c.
An uninterrupted series of alternate overs bowled by a single bowler. from 20th c.
A splinter, usually of wood; a spelk.
The wooden bat in the game of trap ball, or knurr and spell.
To put under the influence of a spell; to affect by a spell; to bewitch; to fascinate; to charm.
To speak, to declaim. 9th-16th c.
To tell; to relate; to teach.
To read (something) as though letter by letter; to peruse slowly or with effort. from 14th c.
To write or say the letters that form a word or part of a word. from 16th c.
To be able to write or say the letters that form words.
Of letters: to compose (a word). from 19th c.
To indicate that (some event) will occur. from 19th c.
To clarify; to explain in detail. from 20th c.
To constitute; to measure.
To work in place of (someone).
To rest (someone or something), to give someone or something a rest or break.
To rest from work for a time.