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 - Edward Ellis Morris

1880. G. n. Oakley, in `Victoria in 1880,' p. 114:

"He `spelled' upon the ground; a hollow gum
Bore up his ample back and bade him rest;
And creaked no warning when he sat upon
A war-ant's nest."

1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Colonial Reformer,' c. xxiv. p. 328:

"There's a hundred and fifty stock-horses there, spelling for next winter's work."

1896. Baldwin Spencer, `Horne Expedition in Central Australia,' Narrative, p. 48:

"We camped beside a water-pool containing plenty of fish, and here we spelled for a day to allow some of us to go on and photograph Chamber's Pillar."

<hw>Sphenura</hw>, n. scientific name for a genus of Australian birds called the Bristle-Birds (q.v.). From Grk. sphaen, "a wedge," and 'oura, "a tail." The name was given by Sir Frederick McCoy.

<hw>Spider</hw>, n. See Katipo.

<hw>Spider-Orchis</hw>, n. name given in Tasmania to the Orchid Caladenia pulcherrima, F. v. M.

<hw>Spiloglaux</hw>, n. See Sceloglaux.