passing bell

American  

noun

1. a bell tolled to announce a death or funeral.

2. a portent or sign of the passing away of anything.

---

passing bell British  

noun

1. Also called: death bell.   death knell.  a bell rung to announce a death or a funeral

---

Etymology

Origin of passing bell

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

passing bell

In Bishop Blougram's Apology, Browning's bishop says of the "-ologies" that they are "the Greek endings, the little passing bell that signifies some faith's about to die."

From Time Magazine Archive

Somewhere near, a passing bell was tolling; the dogs all round the neighbourhood were howling; and in our shrubbery, seemingly just outside, a nightingale was singing.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

The passing bell was the bell, which announced to the people, according to Mabillon, that a spirit was taking its flight, or passing away, and demanding their prayers.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old

Some cost a passing bell, Some a light sigh, That shakes from Life's fresh crown Only a rose leaf down.

From A Reconstructed Marriage by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

He died in a fever, and upon tolling of his passing bell, she cry’d out My heart is broken and in a few hours expired, purely thro’ love, March 15, 1714-15.

From Curious Epitaphs by Various