Nor does Virginia's triumph necessarily spell broader defeat for the N.R.A. at the state level.

But incumbency did not necessarily spell defeat, even in Connecticut, where adoption of the first state income tax in history has superheated anti-tax fervor.

Mr. Moynihan has 11 Democrats and 9 Republicans on his panel, so losing one Democrat could spell defeat.

The barman's expression spelt defeat.

Since the party has only 235 of 435 seats, 18 defections could spell defeat, so all groups have to be petted and cosseted.

Otherwise the existing mundane policies being delivered in such an uninspiring manner can only spell certain and humiliating defeat in the next election.

None of the changes was enough to spell defeat on its own.

Earlier in the season that would have spelled almost certain defeat.

Van Horn and Marbury were the only Nets in double figures, and that ultimately spelled defeat despite an intense effort.

But bad dimensioning could spell defeat for a player.