tell

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

A saying; generally, however, a good one, or a complimentary one. A young lady will say to another, "I've a tell for you," i. e. I've a compliment for you, or I have heard some one speak highly of you. Not elegant.

In his dealings with the other sex, he is a little twistical according to their tell.--Humphreys, The Yankee in England.

TO TELL

To have effect.--Worcester.

President Everett's letter read at the Tabernacle, at the meeting in favor of Pope Pius IX, contained good counsels of a telling character.--N. Y. Express, Dec. 1, 1847.

The admirable pamphlet of Mr. Gallatin on the Mexican War, has told in every part of the country.--Newspaper.

In this vicinity we are all perfectly satisfied with the nominations of Taylor and Fillmore. I think that we can beat the free trade party with ease, having old Rough and Ready as a leader. With the Germans he is a great favorite, and their votes tell in Pennsylvania.--N. Y. Com. Adv.

DO TELL

Related Words

Tell
·noun A hill or mound. II. Tell ·noun That which is told; tale; account. III. Tell ·vi To give an ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
to hear tell
To hear a report of; to hear of. The expression is frequently heard among illiterate people in famil...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
to tell on
To tell of; to tell about. "Well," says the Gineral, "I am glad I didn't understand him, for now it...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
do tell!
A vulgar exclamation common tn New England, and synonymous with really! indeed! is it possible! A b...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
tell apart
To distinguish; as, 'Their resemblance was so striking, that I could not tell them apart.' We also u...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
tell-tale
A compass hanging face downwards from the beams in the cabin, showing the position of the vessel's h...

The Sailor's Word-Book
tell off, to
To divide a body of men into divisions and subdivisions, preparatory to a special service. ...

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tell-tale shake
The shake of a rope from aloft to denote that it wants letting go. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
tell that to the marines!
A sailor's exclamation when an improbable story is related to him. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book