Bow bells

American  

[boh] / boʊ /

plural noun

1. the bells of Bow church, in the East End district of London: traditionally, a true Cockney is born and raised within the sound of Bow bells.

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Etymology

Origin of Bow bells

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Traditionally, a Cockney is anyone "born within the sound of Bow bells" - the bells of St.Mary-le-Bow church in the heart of medieval London.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2012

Yet I welcome the digital download of Bow bells if it can encourage the virtues of self-reliance and magnanimity that are characteristic of these unjustly misrepresented people.

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2012

Being a cockney is not simply about being born within earshot of Bow bells.

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2012

In 1928. after 250 years, the Bow bells fell silent.

From Time Magazine Archive

“If ever been where bells have knolled to church”; if you have ever been within sound of Bow bells; if you have ever been happy and haughty enough to call yourself a Cockney.

From Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)