passing bell

See also: passing-bell

English

Alternative forms

• passing-bell

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.
   • 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.

Synonyms

• dead bell
• lych bell
• skellet bell
• mort bell