ETYM Old Eng. spole, od. spoele, Dutch spoel; akin to German spule, ohg. spuola, Dan. and Swed. spole.
1. A hollow cylinder of wood with a ridge at each end, used to wind thread or yarn upon.
2. A cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound.
3. Material or the amount of material wound on a spool.