'Spell' [grammar]. -

[xyzzyplugh]

Any connection with 'spell' [magic]?

[maxi29]

No. Spell (grammar) is from Old French espeller while spell (magic) is originally derived from Old Norse spjall.

[xyzzyplugh]

Doesn't answer the question, maxi29. Doesn't disprove a connection.
Any connection then, between spelling [words], and spelling [magic]? Was it called a magic 'spell' because words are considered magical? And what's the connection then between grammar and glamour?

[maxi29]

True enough. I looked into this and there doesn't appear to be a connection even though spjall means to tell a tale. Spell as in spell out, seems to have come from the old word for the piece of wood pointing out letters cf spill, splint and splinter. But there are some who say the words are connected. I know glamour though: it's from Old Icelandic for dim view (it's connected with glaucoma). Grammar is from the Greek gramma means letter (as in picturegram). No connection.

[xyzzyplugh]

Nice to hear cogs whirring maxi29; as you muggled thru this question. Have a star. Mine were whirring too, Hogwartly; We have Glamour: talk of enchantment and witchery here and a Bright view (not dim). After being directed to Gramary; 'magic, enchantment, skill in grammar hence magic, see Glamour. I still don't feel much closer to the spell, spell connection though I can feel static on the back of my neck. Can we push a little further :-] I like your connection with spell, splinter of wood though..

[Miss Zippy]

Quizmonster, where art thou?