First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fell
noun \ˈfel\
Definition of FELL
2
: a thin tough membrane covering a carcass directly under the hide
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Origin of FELL
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fel skin, Latin pellis
2fell
verb
: to cut down (a tree)
: to beat or knock down (someone or something)
Full Definition of FELL
transitive verb
1
a : to cut, knock, or bring down <fell a tree> b : kill
2
: to sew (a seam) by folding one raw edge under the other and sewing flat on the wrong side
— fell·able \ˈfe-lə-bəl\ adjective
— fell·er noun
See fell defined for English-language learners
See fell defined for kids
Origin of FELL
Middle English, from Old English fellan; akin to Old English feallan to fall — more at fall
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to FELL
- Synonyms
- bowl (down or over), down, drop, floor, knock down, knock over, level, mow (down), prostrate
- Antonyms
- animate
3fell
Definition of FELL
past of fall
4fell
adjective
: very fierce or cruel
Full Definition of FELL
1
See fell defined for English-language learners
Origin of FELL
Middle English fel, from Anglo-French — more at felon
First Known Use: 14th century
5fell
noun
Definition of FELL
dial British : a high barren field or moor
Origin of FELL
Middle English, from Old Norse fell, fjall mountain; akin to Old High German felis rock
First Known Use: 14th century
FELL[1] Defined for Kids
1fell
verb \ˈfel\
felledfell·ing
Definition of FELL for Kids
: to cut or knock down <I felled a tree.>
2fell
Definition of FELL for Kids
past of fall
Learn More About FELL
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