spiel

views updated May 29 2018

spiel / spēl; shpēl/ inf. • n. a long or fast speech or story, typically one intended as a means of persuasion or as an excuse but regarded with skepticism or contempt by those who hear it: he delivers a breathless and effortless spiel in promotion of his new novel.• v. [tr.] reel off; recite: he solemnly spieled all he knew. ∎  [intr.] speak glibly or at length.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

spiel

views updated Jun 08 2018

spiel; spielen (Ger.). Play; To play. So spielend, playing, playful; Volles Spiel, Full Org.; Spieler, player.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

spiel

views updated May 23 2018

spiel (U.S.) talk, speech. XIX. — G. spiel play
.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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