alarum

[ uh-lar-uhm, uh-lahr- ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. an archaic variant of alarm.

alarum

/ -ˈlɑːr-; -ˈlɛər-; əˈlærəm /

noun

1. archaic.
   an alarm, esp a call to arms
2. (used as a stage direction, esp in Elizabethan drama) a loud disturbance or conflict (esp in the phrase alarums and excursions )

Word History and Origins

Origin of alarum¹

C15: variant of alarm

Example Sentences

When the town bell rings the alarum members of the Gild are to go to the help of the Bailiffs only.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly the sharp wild clangor of the great alarum-bell of Famagosta crashed through the silence.

From Project Gutenberg

This will specially be the case when the alarum spring is long and fully wound.

From Project Gutenberg

At moonrise, however, Grunter woke, punctual as an alarum clock.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Pryor was, when once unwound, like an alarum, obliged to run off.

From Project Gutenberg