spell
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To hanker or yearn (for something).
Register: slang
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.