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Bow bells

[boh]
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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Origin of Bow bells

First recorded in 1590–1600
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for bow bells

Historical Examples of bow bells

  • He is a Cockney by birth, for he was born within the sound of Bow-bells.

    Saunterings in and about London

    Max Schlesinger

  • Brand speaks of a substantial endowment by a citizen for the ringing of Bow-bells every morning to wake up the London apprentices.