death bell

American  

noun

1. the bell that announces a death.

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Etymology

Origin of death bell

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Gitl began reciting the Kaddish, rocking back and forth on the sleeping shelf with the sonorous words, and the prayer was like the tolling of a death bell.

From "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen

Short yelps of hungry exultation broke from their dry throats; it was like the tolling of a death bell; first one and then the other, "Oo-oo-ooh-ooh!"

From The Outcasts by Heming, Arthur Henry Howard

And still, like the tolling of a death bell above the city's life, two thoughts beat on his mind again and again, and gave him intolerable pain.

From The Great House by Weyman, Stanley John

Shakespeare’s universal observation led him to make use of the melancholy meaning of the death bell.

From Old Church Lore by Andrews, William

No more the rolling flood’s at his controul, Nor willing servant runs when he shall bid; But mournfully I hear the death bell toll, To hail him welcome to his lonely bed!

From Awd Isaac, The Steeple Chase, and other Poems With a glossary of the Yorkshire Dialect by Castillo, John