death bell

American  

noun

1. the bell that announces a death.

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Etymology

Origin of death bell

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Gitl began reciting the Kaddish, rocking back and forth on the sleeping shelf with the sonorous words, and the prayer was like the tolling of a death bell.

From "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen

Thus sore and sad the lady grieved in Cumnor Hall, and ere dawn the death bell rang, and never more was that countess seen.

From Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1 A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook by Brewer, Ebenezer Cobham

No more the rolling flood’s at his controul, Nor willing servant runs when he shall bid; But mournfully I hear the death bell toll, To hail him welcome to his lonely bed!

From Awd Isaac, The Steeple Chase, and other Poems With a glossary of the Yorkshire Dialect by Castillo, John

Shakespeare’s universal observation led him to make use of the melancholy meaning of the death bell.

From Old Church Lore by Andrews, William

No, Master Soldier, the death bell doesn't ring for such corpses.

From Told by the Death's Head A Romantic Tale by J?kai, M?r