To send files to some device or program (a "spooler" or demon) that puts them in a queuefor later processing of some kind. Without qualification, the spooler is the "print spooler" controlling output of jobs to a printer but the term has been used in connection with other peripherals (especially plotters and graphics devices) and occasionally even for input devices. The term "SPOOL" has been attributed to IBM as an acronym forSimultaneous Peripheral Operation On-Line but it' s widely thought to have been contrived for effect. [No connection with "spool of magnetic tape"?] [Jargon File] (1996-05-20)