church-bell
The bell hung in the tower of a church, or other structure near it, and rung to call the people to worship, etc.
| c 1000 Sax. Leechd II. 136 Drenc wiþ feondseocum men of ciricbellan to drincanne. 1633 Herbert Temple, Prayer 13 Church-bels beyond the starres heard. 1798 Southey Occas. Pieces, Victory, Hark..how the church-bells with redoubling peals Stun the glad ear! 1832 Tennyson Death Old Year i, Toll ye the church-bell sad and slow. 1865 Whittier Snow-bound 97 No church-bell lent its Christian tone To the savage air. |