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 terrifying symbol of Mayon’s deadly fury is the belfry of a 16th-century Franciscan stone church which protrudes from the ground.

From Seattle Times

In the intervening years, however, those churches — whose belfries are famously appreciated by the winged mammals — had been illuminated with floodlights.

From New York Times

Even the minaret is buried in the belfry of the church.

From New York Times

In the town of La Paz in Abra, a century-old Christian church was damaged, with parts of its belfry collapsing and some walls cracked, littering the church’s grassy yard with debris, officials said.

From Seattle Times

I resolved to return for one of the city’s epic festivals; during the Ghent Light Festival, the gilded dragon that’s perched atop the belfry even spits fire — a fitting mascot for such a spirited place.

From Washington Post