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

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

From A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895) by Saintsbury, George

I always had a solemn affection, for the passing bell.

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

The "passing bell" is the tolling of a bell while anybody is dying, or passing out of this life, in order that the faithful may offer prayers on his behalf.

From The Church Handy Dictionary by Anonymous