bell1
n.
- a hollow object, typically made of metal and in the shape of a deep inverted cup, that sounds a clear musical note when struck.
▸the sound or stroke of a bell, used as a signal.
-
(bells)
a musical instrument consisting of a set of metal tubes, suspended in a frame and played by being struck.
- Nautical (preceded by a numeral) the time as indicated every half-hour of a watch by the striking of the ship's bell one to eight times:
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at five bells in the forenoon of June 11.
- something bell-shaped, in particular the end of a trumpet.
v.
- summon or indicate with a bell.
- flare outwards in the shape of a bell.
Phrase
- bell the cat
take the danger of a shared enterprise upon oneself.
[an allusion to a fable in which the mice suggest hanging a bell around the cat's neck to have warning of its approach.]
- bells and whistles
attractive additional features or trimmings. -
(as)
clear
(or sound)
as a bell
perfectly clear (or sound). - give someone a bell
Brit. informal telephone someone. - ring a bell
informal revive a distant recollection.
Etymology
OE belle, of Gmc origin; perh. rel. to bell2.
bell2
n.
the cry of a stag or buck at rutting time.
v.
(of a stag or buck) make this cry.
Etymology
OE bellan ‘to bellow’, of Gmc origin.
