passing bell

noun

1. a bell tolled to announce a death or funeral.
2. a portent or sign of the passing away of anything.

passing bell

noun

1. a bell rung to announce a death or a funeral Also calleddeath belldeath knell

Word History and Origins

Origin of passing bell¹

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Whilst the young gallant conducted her in the waltz, and her ear drank in the music of his voice and words, a passing bell tolled.

From Project Gutenberg

The passing bell gave Henry a momentary sense of equality; and he courageously stepped forward to the first winding of the avenue.

From Project Gutenberg

Anon the door itself closed to with a dull bang which seemed to find an echo in her heart like the tolling of a passing bell.

From Project Gutenberg

The passing bell continued to ring out minute by minute, and presently there was the sound of singing.

From Project Gutenberg

She also tells of the constant sound of the passing bell; of the frequent burials in the thronged churchyard.

From Project Gutenberg