bell¹ (bĕl)
n.

1. A hollow metal musical instrument, usually cup-shaped with a flared opening, that emits a metallic tone when struck.
2. Something resembling such an instrument in shape or sound, as:
   1. The round, flared opening of a wind instrument at the opposite end from the mouthpiece.
   2. bells A percussion instrument consisting of metal tubes or bars that emit tones when struck.
   3. A hollow, usually inverted vessel, such as one used for diving deep below the surface of a body of water.
   4. The corolla of a flower: "In a cowslip's bell I lie" (Shakespeare).
3. Nautical.
   1. A stroke on a hollow metal instrument to mark the hour.
   2. The time indicated by the striking of this instrument, divided into half hours.

v., belled, bell·ing, bells.

v.tr.

1. To put a bell on.
2. To cause to flare like a bell.

v.intr.
To assume the form of a bell; flare.

idiom:

bell the cat

1. To perform a daring act.

[Middle English belle, from Old English.]

bell² (bĕl)
n.
The bellowing or baying cry of certain animals, such as a deer in rut or a beagle on the hunt.

intr.v., belled, bell·ing, bells.
To utter long, deep, resonant sounds; bellow.

[From Middle English bellen, to bellow, from Old English bellan.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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