spell definition

1. a verbal formula believed to have magical force
• examples: he whispered a spell as he moved his hands
• examples: inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese
2. orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
• examples: How do you spell this word?
• examples: We had to spell out our names for the police officer
3. indicate or signify
• examples: I'm afraid this spells trouble!
4. write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
• examples: He spelled the word wrong in this letter
5. relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn
• examples: She spelled her husband at the wheel
6. place under a spell
7. take turns working
• examples: the workers spell every four hours