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

There, Donald will seek to become only the second captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away since Tony Jacklin at The Belfry, in England, in 1985 and Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987.

From BBC

The United States' last victory on European soil was in 1993, when they triumphed 15-13 at The Belfry, in England, with Europe winning the past six tournaments this side of the Atlantic.

From BBC

The US enjoyed a record 19-9 win in 2021 but have not won on European soil since triumphing at The Belfry in 1993.

From BBC

And then there was this from NBC lead announcer Dan Hicks, noting that Raymond Floyd was the oldest player on that 1993 team at The Belfry.

From Seattle Times

He was beaten by Phillip Price, the No. 119 player in the world, in a one-point loss at The Belfry in 2002.

From Seattle Times