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.