A Word for Wednesday: Spell

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This week’s 'Word for Wednesday' is‘spell’. The Oxford Dictionary gives a grand total of four different definitions for this word. A reminder of how important context is to the meaning of many words, and why the English language can be so confusing to learn.

Since we’re a spelling website let’s start with the most obvious definition; Spell as a verb means to write or name the letters that form a word in the correct sequence. ‘I wish you would learn to spell’.

The second definition is a little more archaic, one of spell’s noun definitions is a charm or incantation – a set of words, which supposedly have magical powers. Uses of the word ‘spell’ in this context date as far back as the 1500s.

In a third and lesser-used context, the word ‘spell’ refers to a splinter of wood. Personally, I’ve only ever heard this one in reference to a small (yet painful) splinter trapped in the skin after handling wood; however a little research revealed a much better use for a ‘spell’ of wood…

From the 15th to the 19th century, ‘Knurr and Spell’ was a popular pub game originating in Yorkshire where a ‘spell’ of wood was used as a bat to strike the ‘knurr’ (a piece of gnarl from a tree trunk), which acted as a ball. The knurr was propelled from a trap and later a spring mechanism to ensure regularity of height, similar to clay pigeon shooting. Players then competed to hit the knurr the greatest distance. Sounds fun to me, a revival anyone?

In its final context, ‘spell’ describes a fairly short period of time. For example, one can do a spell of work over summer. We might experience a spell of rain or endure a spell of hay fever. Hopefully this week’s blog has been enlightening, if only into the bizarre customs of Yorkshire pub goers. We’d love to see some pictures of a game of ‘Knurr and Spell’!

Hugh MacDermott

 


26 Jun 2013
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"Thank goodness for Spellzone during this remote learning phase. The site is easy for students to navigate independently and they're really enjoying the activities and spelling games. You get an awful lot for your money with Spellzone. Really reassuring is the very prompt response with helpdesk queries. I've very rarely needed the helpdesk, but when I have, the issue has been addressed and sorted within a very short time."

Sarah Taggart, Oasis Academy Lord's Hill