n. & v.
—n.
1 a hollow usu. metal object in the shape of a deep upturned cup usu. widening at the lip, made to sound a clear musical note when struck (either externally or by means of a clapper inside).
2 a a sound or stroke of a bell, esp. as a signal. b (prec. by a numeral) Naut. the time as indicated every half-hour of a watch by the striking of the ship's bell one to eight times.
3 anything that sounds like or functions as a bell, esp. an electronic device that rings etc. as a signal.
4 a any bell-shaped object or part, e.g. of a musical instrument. b the corolla of a flower when bell-shaped.
5 (in pl.) Mus. a set of cylindrical metal tubes of different lengths, suspended in a frame and played by being struck with a hammer.
—v.tr.
1 provide with a bell or bells; attach a bell to.
2 (foll. by out) form into the shape of the lip of a bell.
Phrases and idioms:
bell-bottom
1 a marked flare below the knee (of a trouser-leg).
2 (in pl.) trousers with bell-bottoms. bell-bottomed having bell-bottoms. bell-buoy a buoy equipped with a warning bell rung by the motion of the sea. bell-founder a person who casts large bells in a foundry. bell-glass a bell-shaped glass cover for plants. bell-jar a bell-shaped glass cover or container for use in a laboratory. bell-metal an alloy of copper and tin for making bells (the tin content being greater than in bronze). bell-pull a cord or handle which rings a bell when pulled. bell-push a button that operates an electric bell when pushed. bell-ringer a person who rings church bells or handbells. bell-ringing this as an activity. bell-tent a cone-shaped tent supported by a central pole.
bell-wether
1 the leading sheep of a flock, with a bell on its neck.
2 a ringleader. clear (or sound) as a bell perfectly clear or sound. ring a bell colloq. revive a distant recollection; sound familiar.
Etymology: OE belle: perh. rel. to BELL(2)
2.
n. & v.
—n. the cry of a stag or buck at rutting-time.
—v.intr. make this cry.
Etymology: OE bellan bark, bellow
Useful english dictionary. 2012.