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.

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passing bell British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of passing bell

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

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

Within, without your cabins rude As toiling builders well you wrought, With busy hands and constant hearts, And eager children wisdom taught; Long be delayed the passing bell, Long be it ere we say “Farewell!”

From Blazing The Way True Stories, Songs and Sketches of Puget Sound by Denny, Emily Inez

It is said that if in a theater the tinkle of a passing bell is heard, actors and audience fall on their knees.

From Heroic Spain by O'Reilly, Elizabeth Boyle

The grave-digger hears far off the knell, Beneath weary skies, of the passing bell, Since ages longer than he can tell.

From Poems of Emile Verhaeren by Verhaeren, Emile