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.   --1 Sam. xxvii. 11.