See Also: reel(medicine)
reel(1)(dictionary)
reel(2)(dictionary)
Reel(casino)
reel foot(medicine)
reel 1, verb(dictionary)
reel 2, noun(dictionary)

reel(1) (iou)



reel noun. [ri:l]
[Late Old English hreol, with no known cognates; in branch II from the verb.]
I.
A cylindrical rotatory device on which thread, yarn, paper, etc., can be wound and from which easily wound off; any apparatus on which a length of material can be wound up and unwound as required. LOE.
spec.
a. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing-rod, used in winding the line. E18.
b. A small cylinder of wood or plastic, with a rim at each end, on which thread is wound for sale and ordinary use; a quantity of thread made up in this way. L18.
c. A cylindrical structure with a broad flange on which film or recording tape is wound; a length of film or tape wound on this; loosely a (long) portion of a motion picture. L19.
II.
A tumult, a disturbance. Formerly also, (in pl.) revelry. Chiefly Scot. LME.
A lively folk-dance usu. in double time, esp. associated with Scotland, danced by two or more couples facing each other; a piece of music for such a dance. L16.
A whirl, a whirling movement; an act of reeling; a roll, a stagger. L16.
Phrases etc.: NOTTINGHAM reel. off the reel without stopping, in an uninterrupted course or succession; immediately, quickly. STRATHSPEY reel.
Comb.: reel-fed adjective (Printing) using reeled paper; reel foot Scot. a club-foot; reel-to-reel adjective designating a tape recorder in which the tape passes between two reels mounted separately, rather than within a cassette etc.