passing bell
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See also: passing-bell
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Noun
[edit]passing bell (plural passing bells)
- 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.