spell

The Sailor's Word-Book

The period wherein one or more sailors are employed in particular duties demanding continuous exertion. Such are the spells to the hand-lead in sounding, to working the pumps, to look out on the mast-head, &c., and to steer the ship, which last is generally called the "trick at the wheel." Spel-ian, Anglo-Saxon, "to supply another's room." Thus, Spell ho! is the call for relief.

The Sailor's Word-Book

← speed-indicator × spencer →

Related Words

Spell
·noun A story; a tale. II. Spell ·noun A spelk, or splinter. III. Spell ·noun One of two or more p...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
spell
I. n. In England, a turn at work or duty;in Australasia, always a period of rest from duty. It is ...

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris
spell
(From AngSax. spelian to supply another's room; to act or be proxy for.--Bosworth.) A turn of work; ...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
By-spell
·noun A <<Proverb>>. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
fresh spell
Men coming to relieve a gang at work. ...

The Sailor's Word-Book
give a spell
To intermit or relieve work. (See spell.) ...

The Sailor's Word-Book