belfry

[ bel-free ]

noun

, plural bel·fries.

1. a bell tower, either attached to a church or other building or standing apart.
2. the part of a steeple or other structure in which a bell is hung.
3. a frame of timberwork that holds or encloses a bell.
4. Slang. head; mind:

   a belfry full of curious notions.

belfry

/ ˈbɛlfrɪ /

noun

1. the part of a tower or steeple in which bells are hung
2. a tower or steeple Compare campanile
3. the timber framework inside a tower or steeple on which bells are hung
4. (formerly) a movable tower for attacking fortifications

Word History and Origins

Origin of belfry¹

1225–75; Middle English belfray, apparently blend of earlier berfray (< Middle French < Germanic ) and Medieval Latin belfredus, dissimilated variant of berefredus < Germanic; compare Middle High German ber ( c ) frit, equivalent to berc defense, protection, refuge (cognate with Old English gebeorg; harbor ) + frit peace, (place of ) safety (cognate with Old English frith )

Word History and Origins

Origin of belfry¹

C13: from Old French berfrei , of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German bercfrit fortified tower, Medieval Latin berfredus tower

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have bats in one's belfry. bat ²( def 3 ).

More idioms and phrases containing belfry

see bats in one's belfry .

Example Sentences

A tablet in the belfry commemorates the ringing of a peal of 726 changes in twenty-six minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

The belfry window on each face is divided into three lights with coupled shafts.

From Project Gutenberg

From the top of the Belfry one looks down on what is practically a medival city.

From Project Gutenberg

The carillon rung from the Belfry, guns were fired, and a ceremony in honour of the event took place in the Htel de Ville.

From Project Gutenberg

At each end there is a turret; and the belfry, a square with towers at the corners, rises from the centre of the building.

From Project Gutenberg