bell metal

American  

noun

1. an alloy of about 80 percent copper and 20 percent tin, sometimes with small amounts of lead and zinc, having low damping qualities and used especially for bells.

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bell metal British  

noun

1. an alloy of copper and tin, with some zinc and lead, used in casting bells

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Etymology

Origin of bell metal

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bell metal

Varying proportions of copper and tin give gun metal, bell metal, babbitt metal and many another alloy, the greater the percentage of tin the harder being the resulting composition.

From Time Magazine Archive

The dishes, of bell metal, were placed on the table, and we took our places.

From Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Verne, Jules

The sombre bell metal was slick as if oiled and absorbed light without refracting it.

From Là-bas by Wallace, Keene

The measures, made of bell metal, formerly in use in Sir Richard Musgrave’s manor at Kirkoswald, are still carefully preserved by Mr. John Longrigg, the last steward.

From Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland by Scott, Daniel

Now I think of it, tell the Bishop of Clogher, he shall not cheat me of one inch of my bell metal.

From The Journal to Stella by Swift, Jonathan