DCHP-1 Online

spell ((n.))

• 1 n. Esp. North See 1873 quote.

  See also: pipe ((1)) (def. 1)  

  • 1848  (1859)  Each spell lasted for nearly two hours, during which time they rowed without intermission.
  • 1873  The term "spell" is commonly used, all over the plains, to indicate the length of journey between meals or stopping places; the latter are sometimes called spelling places, by half-breeds and others.
  • 1953  About every five miles the Indians rest their dogs, making tea where firewood is available. Generally at the end of the fourth spell you will find a suitable place to spend the night.

• 2 n. put on the pipe, put up for trade by agreement entered into through a ceremonial smoking of a calumet.

  See also: pipe ((2)) (def. 2)  

  • 1869  (1942)  When a sled can not keep up and take its proper place in the brigade at each spell, it is said to be "planted," which is considered something very disgraceful.
  • 1896  His train was invariably so far behind as to delay us ten to fifteen minutes at every "spell" (rest), which meant a loss of from six to eight miles in a day's travel.
  • 1913  Riding down the hill they made their noon spell on the site of Camp Trangmar.
  • 1953  Some spells may be only three or four miles apart and others eight to ten but they will average roughly five.