tocsin

[ tok-sin ]

noun

1. a signal, especially of alarm, sounded on a bell or bells.
2. a bell used to sound an alarm.

tocsin

/ ˈtɒksɪn /

noun

1. an alarm or warning signal, esp one sounded on a bell
2. an alarm bell

Word History and Origins

Origin of tocsin¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Middle French, from Provençal tocasenh, literally, “(it) strikes (the) bell,” equivalent to toca, 3rd-person singular present of tocar “to strike, touch ” + senh “bell, sign ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tocsin¹

C16: from French, from Old French toquassen, from Old Provençal tocasenh, from tocar to touch + senh bell, from Latin signum

Example Sentences

Come on, stand up, brother, father, toll the tocsin [alarm bell]!

From The Daily Beast

Yet, so curiously constituted is the native mind, the blowing-up of the magazine was the final tocsin of revolt.

From Project Gutenberg

The thunder was the tocsin of the storm, but those who came to rob and kill moved unheralded in swift silence.

From Project Gutenberg

Yon deep bell tolls no matin—'tis the tocsin's hurried blare!

From Project Gutenberg

Each morning at dawn the tocsin sounded from Ste. Gudule, and the people rushed to the barricades.

From Project Gutenberg

The announcement of supper, the tocsin of liberty to a majority of the company, interrupted their lively dialogue.

From Project Gutenberg