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

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

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2012

She calls herself "a true cockney" – she was born in Barts hospital on a Sunday morning to the sound of the Bow bells.

From The Guardian • Mar. 20, 2011

Silent, too, were the famous Bow bells of Cheapside, within whose sound all Cockneys were once born.

From Time Magazine Archive

"You'll hear the Abbey bells chime presently—not unlike Bow bells, I used to fancy sometimes; and we'll lie on the grass, and I'll tell you the whole true and particular story of Sir Richard Whittington."

From John Halifax, Gentleman by Craik, Dinah Maria Mulock