DCHP-3

spell ((n.))

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n. — Esp. North

See 1873 quote.

See: pipe ((1))(def. 1)

Quotations

1848
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.
2n.

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

See: pipe ((2))(def. 2)

Quotations

1869
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.