reel
reel / rēl/ • n. 1. a cylinder on which film, wire, thread, or other flexible materials can be wound. ∎ a length of something wound on to such a device: a reel of copper wire. ∎ a part of a movie: in the final reel he is transformed from unhinged sociopath into local hero. ∎ a device for winding and unwinding a line as required, in particular a fishing reel.2. a lively Scottish or Irish folk dance. ∎ a piece of music for such a dance, typically in simple or duple time. ∎ short for Virginia reel.• v. 1. [tr.] (reel something in) wind a line on to a reel by turning the reel. ∎ bring something attached to a line, esp. a fish, toward one by turning a reel and winding in the line: he struck, and reeled in a good perch.2. [intr.] lose one's balance and stagger or lurch violently: he punched Connolly in the ear, sending him reeling she reeled back against the van. ∎ feel very giddy, disoriented, or bewildered, typically as a result of an unexpected setback: the unaccustomed intake of alcohol made my head reel | fig. the nationalist government is already reeling from 225 percent monthly inflation. ∎ walk in a staggering or lurching manner, esp. while drunk: the two reeled out of the bar arm in arm.3. [intr.] dance a reel.PHRASAL VERBS: reel (something) off say or recite something rapidly and without apparent effort: she proceeded to reel off in rapid Italian the various dishes of the day.DERIVATIVES: reel·er n.ORIGIN: Old English hrēol, denoting a rotatory device on which spun thread is wound; of unknown origin.
reel
reel
Hence reel vb. wind on a reel; whirl; stagger, sway XIV; dance a reel XVIII.