English · Slang Attested

spell

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To hanker or yearn (for something).

Examples

"I have not got a coal ticket with me." "I am sorry you should think I was 'spelling' for a coal ticket," he interrupted; "if such an idea had occurred to me, I should have asked for it straightforwardly."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “spell” mean?

To hanker or yearn (for something).

Is “spell” formal or informal?

spell is generally slang.

👁 Views 0 today 0 past 7 days 0 this month 0 all time