passing bell

passing bell

See also: passing-bell

English

Alternative forms

• passing-bell

Noun

passing bell (plural passing bells)

1. (music) 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.