noun / verb
spell
A limited period occupied by an activity or condition.
A spell of warm weather brings everyone outside after lunch.
Etymology
The older verb concerns relieving someone in a task. A spell became a turn at work, then any limited period of an activity or condition.
More examples
- She sits down until the dizzy spell passes.
- After a long spell at the wheel, he needs rest.
- I spell my coworker at the register during her break.
Forms
spell · spells · spelled · spelling