Looking at the phrase for a spell, if we consider it in grammatical context we would say someone has made a mistake on a basic level. Depending on the context we would say “for spelling” or “to spell.” The word spell originates from Old English and means “story, saying, history, narrative or fable.”
Eventually it took on another meaning in the 12th century and was used to refer to magical procedures which may cause someone harm and/or cause someone to do something they normally would not want to do or against their will.
Later, the word spell was used by sailors to describe the continuous stretch of something happening (weather) or someone doing (work).
It was later in the early 14th century that it was used to refer to the use of letter to make a word, or spell a word.
The phrase “for a spell” has its roots in the United States old south and when someone was wanting a person to come and talk or have a friendly chat, they would say “Come sit for a spell.”
Meaning of “For a spell”:
This is an idiomatic phrase we use to refer to a period or time usually a short period of time and in most cases to share information, tell a story, or catch up with someone.
- Oh Lassie, I am tired. Let’s rest for a spell before we continue our walk.
- Waylon, come sit for a spell and tell me about your new job.
Dialog:
Fred: Hey Sanford, howdy how the heck are you?
Sanford: Fred! Gosh darn, it’s been a long time.
Fred: I am waiting for the wife, come and sit for a spell.
Sanford: Well I suppose I can rest for a spell. I have some time before I have to be home.
Collocations:
To rest for a spell.
Come and sit for a spell.
Related Phrases/Phrasal Verbs:
Come Sit down
In the context of for a spell, we are saying to sit with somebody and spend time with.
- Please come and sit down and rest for a spell.
For a bit
In the context of for a spell, we are saying for a short period of time.
- I can sit for a spell, but only for a bit then I need to get back to work.
For a little while
For a short period of time.
- I am going to go and visit Grandpa for a little while, he asked me to come and sit a spell with him.
Not too for long
Means to stay or spend time with someone or someplace for a period time that is not more than it should be.
- I will sit with you for a spell, but not for too long as the pigs need to be fed.
Related idioms:
The time is ripe
We use this to describe and express when it is a good time to do something or for something to happen.
Take your time
When we use this phrase we are saying do not hurry do not rush.
Time out
We use this to express having a break from something someone is doing and to relax.
To pass the time of day
We use this phrase to describe someone having a short conversation with someone about things that are not important.
Let’s have a chat
To have a short informal conversation about unimportant issues.
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