| 释义 |
ˈpassing-ˌbell
[f. passing vbl. n. (cf. pass v. 11) + bell n.1]
‘The bell which rings at the hour of departure, to obtain prayers for the passing soul: often used for the bell which rings immediately after death’ (J.); = death-bell.
The name still survives, but only in rare cases is the bell now rung until after death. See N. & Q. 10th ser. I. 308, 350, 3rd ser. II. 246. For the original use, cf. Constit. & Canons (1603) lxvii, And when any is passing out of this life, a bell shall be tolled, and the Minister shall not then slack to do his last duty. And after the party's death, if it so fall out, there shall be rung no more than one short peal, and one other before the burial, and one other after the burial.
1526in Ellacombe Ch. Bells Devon (1872) 463 The clerke to have for tollynge of the passynge belle,..if it be in the day, 0s. 4d. c1600Distracted Emp. v. i. in Bullen O. Pl. III. 243 If I but chaunce to toule his passinge bell And give the parryshe notyce who is dead. 1604Donne To Sir H. Wotton going to V. iv, As prayers ascend To Heaven in troops, at a good man's passing-bell. 1691Norris Pract. Disc. 149 If his Senses hold out so long, he can hear even his Passing-Bell without disturbance. 1731Swift On his Death, Before the passing-bell begun, The news through half the town has run. 1795Southey Joan of Arc i. 332 More mournfully than dirge or passing bell, The joyous carol came. 1866Monsell Passing Bell 1 Listen! it is the Passing Bell. Lift up thy heart to God and pray. A soul is passing,—who can tell How prayer may help it on its way.
b. fig. That which forebodes or signalizes the death or passing away of anything; the ‘knell’.
1577Whetstone Remembr. Gascoigne xxv, The Swan in songs, dooth knolle her passing bel. 1696Brookhouse Temple Open. 62 The Sounding of the Seventh Angel, Is the worlds Passing Bell. 1819Keats Lamia ii. 39 Knowing well That but a moment's thought is passion's passing bell. 1821Shelley Hellas 669 And my solemn thunder knell Should ring to the world the passing bell Of tyranny! |