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Glite Dictionary
to set a spell

to set a spell

9.4
To sit and rest for a short time and talk
  • phrasal verb
  • Archaic
translation icon : tomar un descanso
  • We like to set a spell by the fire after dinner and talk.

Examples

  • After walking for hours, they decided to set a spell on the porch.

  • Why don't you set a spell and tell me about your day?

  • Let's set a spell before we continue our hike.

  • After the long meeting, they decided to set a spell.

  • After a long walk, we decided to set a spell on the bench to enjoy the scenery.

  • She often likes to set a spell at her favorite café and chat with friends.

  • After finishing their hike, they chose to set a spell by the river and relax.

Synonyms

to sit
vsto set a spell
∞ 1.0

To rest with your weight on your bottom on a seat

includes that posture but adds relaxing together and enjoying conversation
to rest
vsto set a spell
816 1.0

To stop activity to relax or sleep and get energy back

is a shorter, social sitting pause rather than general long recovery
to take a break
vsto set a spell
496 1.4

To stop doing something for a short time to rest or relax before continuing

is specifically about sitting down and enjoying a relaxed moment
to take a moment
vsto set a spell
98 3.4

Stop for a short time to think, rest or remember something

involves a longer, more social sitting break rather than a quick pause
to breathe
vsto set a spell
  • Informal
25 2.6

To take a short break to rest

is more about sitting down and enjoying time with others
to take time out
vsto set a spell
24 3.2

Stop what you are doing to rest or do something different for a short time

is usually shorter and focused on sitting and social relaxation
to take a breather
vsto set a spell
  • Informal
14 3.5

To stop and rest for a short time

is more about sitting and relaxing socially rather than only recovery
to take a load off
vsto set a spell
  • Informal
13 5.5

To sit down and rest after standing or working

focuses more on sitting to relax and enjoy a chat or company

Antonyms

work
∞ 1.0

Effort people use to do a job or task

to be active
89 1.0

To move your body often by doing exercise or play

How Long

rest
703 1.0
to lounge
12 2.7
to set a spell
  • Archaic
9.4
to take a breather
  • Informal
14 3.5
to pause
346 1.0

Surface Forms

set a spell infinitive
set a spell past
set a spell past participle
setting a spell present participle
sets a spell third person singular

Morphology

set + a + spell

The noun 'spell' meaning 'a short period' is transparent and signals duration, but the verb 'set' does not typically mean 'sit' or 'take a break' in standard English; the collocation is dialectal/colloquial. Because part of the meaning (short period) is recoverable from the constituents but the key action sense ('set' = sit/take a break) is not predictable for most learners, this is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Set a spell comes from an old use of spell meaning 'a short time'. Imagine someone sets themselves down to rest and talk for a spell, a little while, and that's why it means 'to take a short break'.