(rēl) noun
1. A rotatory device or frame for winding rope, cord, photographic film, or other flexible substance.
2. In cinematography, the film wound on one reel: used as a unit of length, usually from 1,000 to 2,000 feet.
3. A wooden spool for wire, thread, etc.
4. Material, such as thread, paper, and the like, when wound on a reel.
—v.t.
1. To wind on a reel or bobbin, as a line.
2. To draw in by reeling a line: with in: to reel a fish in.
3. To say, do, etc., easily and fluently: with off. [OE hrēol]
—reel′a·ble adjective
—reel′er noun

(rēl) v.i.
1. To stagger, sway, or lurch, as when giddy or drunk.
2. To whirl round and round.
3. To have a sensation of giddiness or whirling: My head reels.
4. To waver or fall back, as attacking troops.
—v.t.
5. To cause to reel.
See synonyms under SHAKE.
—noun
1. A staggering motion; giddiness.
2. A lively Scottish dance, or its music; also, the Virginia reel. [<REEL¹]
—reel′er noun