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Webster 1828 Edition

Passing-bell

P`ASSING-BELL

,

Noun.

The bell that rings at the hour of death to obtain prayers for the passing soul. It is also used for the bell that rings immediately after death.

Definition 2024

passing-bell

passing-bell

See also: passing bell

English

Noun

passing-bell ‎(plural passing-bells)

Alternative form of passing bell
- 1917, Wilfred Owen, Anthem for Doomed Youth
  
  What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
  
  — Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
  
  Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
  
  Can patter out their hasty orisons.