Noun

1. A lively dance of the Highlanders of Scotland; also, the music to the dance; -- often called Scotch reel.
2. A frame with radial arms, or a kind of spool, turning on an axis, on which yarn, threads, lines, or the like, are wound

   a log reel, used by seamen

   an angler's reel

   a garden reel

3. A machine on which yarn is wound and measured into lays and hanks, -- for cotton or linen it is fifty-four inches in circuit; for worsted, thirty inches.
4. A device consisting of radial arms with horizontal stats, connected with a harvesting machine, for holding the stalks of grain in position to be cut by the knives.
5. A short compilation of sample film work used as a demonstrative resume in the entertainment industry.

Verb

1. To wind on a reel.
2. To spin or revolve repeatedly.
3. To unwind, to bring or acquire something by spinning or winding something else.

   He reeled off some tape from the roll and sealed the package.

4. To walk shakily or unsteadily; to stagger; move as if drunk or not in control of one's self.
5. (reel back) To back off or step away unsteadily and quickly.

   He reeled back from the punch.

6. To make or cause to reel.

Quotations

• 1996, Janette Turner Hospital, Oyster, Virago Press, paperback edition, page 111

  Sarah reels a little, nevertheless, under the dog's boisterous greeting.