Definition of "gell"

Well, mayhap that'll do, as it's a little gell, for they're easier persuaded to sit i' one place nor the lads.

1861, George Eliot, “Chapter 14”, in Silas Marner

"You're a naughty little gell, that's what you are," said the fireman, and the engine-driver said:-- / "Daring little piece, I call her," but they made her sit down on an iron seat in the cab and told her to stop crying and tell them what she meant by it.

1906, Edith Nesbit, The Railway Children, Chapter 4: "The engine-burglar"