n.

1. A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.

2. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.

3. The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.

4. A set of curved lawnmower blades that rotate around a bar parallel to the ground, cutting grass while moving against a stationary straight blade.

tr.v. reeled, reel·ing, reels

1. To wind on or let out from a reel.

2. To recover by winding on a reel: reel in a large fish.

reel off

To recite fluently and usually at length: reeled off a long list of names and dates.

[Middle English, from Old English

.]

v.intr.

1. To be thrown off balance or fall back: reeled from the sharp blow.

2. To stagger, lurch, or sway, as from drunkenness: reeled down the alley.

3. To go round and round in a whirling motion: gulls reeling and diving.

4. To feel dizzy: My head reeled with the facts and figures.

n.

1. A staggering, swaying, or whirling movement.

n. Maine

A handheld hammer used in a quarry for shaping granite blocks.