The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Tell \Tell\, v. i.
   1. To give an account; to make report.
      [1913 Webster]
            That I may publish with the voice of thankgiving,
            and tell of all thy wondrous works.   --Ps. xxvi. 7.
      [1913 Webster]
   2. To take effect; to produce a marked effect; as, every shot
      tells; every expression tells.
      [1913 Webster]
   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.]
      [1913 Webster]
            Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David.
                                                  --1 Sam.
                                                  xxvii. 11.
      [1913 Webster]