Chaucer.
Tell, though equivalent in some respect to speak and say, has not
always the same application. We say, to tell truth or falsehood, to
tell a number, to tell the reasons, to tell something or nothing; but
we never say, to tell a speech, discourse, or oration, or to tell an
argument or a lesson. It is much used in commands; as, tell me the
whole story; tell me all you know.
To tell off, to count; to divide. Sir W. Scott.
Syn. — To communicate; impart; reveal; disclose; inform; acquaint;
report; repeat; rehearse; recite.
Tell, v. i. 1. To give an account; to make report.
That I may publish with the voice of thankgiving, and tell of all thy
wondrous works.
Ps. xxvi. 7.
2. To take effect; to produce a marked effect; as, every shot tells;
every expression tells.
To tell of. (a) To speak of; to mention; to narrate or describe. (b) To
inform against; to disclose some fault of. — To tell on, to inform
against. [Archaic & Colloq.]
Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David.