society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > stopping work > signal for starting or stopping time (3)
dialect. A factory hooter.
One who or that which hoots. A steam whistle or siren; esp. one at large works, sounded as a signal for beginning or ceasing work.
The act of leaving off one's work or occupation; the signal for doing this. See sense A. 1.