passing bell

See also: passing-bell

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From passing +‎ bell.

Noun

passing bell (plural passing bells)

  1. A bell rung to announce a passing, a death, or funeral; death bell, death knell.
    Synonyms: dead bell, death bell, death knell, lych bell, skellet bell, mort bell, soul bell, soul knell
    • 1917, Wilfred Owen, Anthem for Doomed Youth:
      What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
        — Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
        Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
      Can patter out their hasty orisons.
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