Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

<hw>Spearwood</hw>, the wood of three trees so called, because the aborigines made their spears from it—<i>Acacia doratoxylon</i>, A. Cunn., <i>A. homalophylla</i>, A. Cunn., both <i>N.O. Leguminosae</i>; and <i>Eucalyptus doratoxylon</i>, F. v. M., <i>N.O. Myrtaceae</i>.

<hw>Speedwell, Native</hw>, <i>n</i>. The English <i>Speedwell</i> is a <i>Veronica</i>. There is a Tasmanian species, <i>Veronica formosa</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Scrophulariaceae</i>.

<hw>Spell</hw>, <i>n</i>. In England, a turn at work or duty; in Australasia, always a period of rest from duty. It is quite possible that etymologically <i>Spell</i> is connected with Ger. <i>spielen</i>, in which case the Australasian use is the more correct. See `Skeat's Etymological Dictionary.'

1865. J. O. Tucker, `Australian Story,' c. i. p. 84:

"The only recompense was . . . to light his pipe and have a `spell.'"

1873. A. Trollope, `Australia and New Zealand,' vol. i. p. 84:

"Having a spell—what we should call a short holiday."

<hw>Spell</hw>, <i>v</i>. to rest.

1846. J. L. Stokes, `Discoveries in Australia,' vol. ii. p. 42:

"In order to spell the oars, we landed at a point on the east side."