belfry

bel·fry

noun \ˈbel-frē\

plural belfries

Definition of BELFRY

1

: a bell tower; especially : one surmounting or attached to another structure

2

: a room or framework for enclosing a bell

3

: head 2a <batty in the belfry>

Illustration of BELFRY

Origin of BELFRY

Middle English belfrey, berfrey, bell tower, siege tower, from Anglo-French *berfrei, *belfrei, of Germanic origin (akin to Middle High German bërvrit siege tower); akin to Old High German bergan to shelter and to Old English frith peace, refuge — more at bury

First Known Use: 15th century