Sanctus bell

American  

noun

1. a bell rung during the celebration of Mass to call attention to the more solemn parts.

---

Sanctus bell British  

noun

1. RC Church a bell rung as the opening words of the Sanctus are pronounced and also at other important points during Mass

---

Etymology

Origin of Sanctus bell

First recorded in 1470–80

Example Sentences

Departing from the Book of Common Prayer, Bishop Wylde was accused of introducing into the Communion service such customs as ringing the Sanctus bell and making the sign of the cross.

From Time Magazine Archive

At that moment the Sanctus bell rang, and she remembered why she had stayed in church.

From Evelyn Innes by Moore, George (George Augustus)

The turret for the Sanctus bell still exists at Barnstaple, Devon, and St. Peter Port, Guernsey.

From Our Homeland Churches and How to Study Them by Heath, Sidney

The holy office proceeded; the Sanctus bell shrilled for the first time.

From The Forest Lovers by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

Her lips had murmured an Our Father, but so slowly that the Sanctus bell had rung before she had finished it.

From Evelyn Innes by Moore, George (George Augustus)