Spell (Unix) definition

(1) A verbal formula believed to have magical force

"He whispered a spell as he moved his hands"

"Inscribed around its base is a charm in Balinese"

(2) A psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation

(3) A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition

"He was here for a little while"

"I need to rest for a piece"

"A spell of good weather"

"A patch of bad weather"

(4) A time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

"It's my go"

"A spell of work"

(5) Take turns working

"The workers spell every four hours"

(6) Indicate or signify

"I'm afraid this spells trouble!"

(7) Orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of

"How do you spell this word?" "We had to spell out our names for the police officer"

(8) Place under a spell

(9) Write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)

"He spelled the word wrong in this letter"

(10) Relieve (someone) from work by taking a turn

"She spelled her husband at the wheel"