knell
1knell
verb \ˈnel\Definition of KNELL
transitive verb
: to summon or announce by or as if by a knell
intransitive verb
1
: to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll
2
: to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect
Examples of KNELL
- <the church bells knelled to mark the death of the nation's beloved leader>
Origin of KNELL
Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German erknellen to toll
First Known Use: before 12th century
2knell
nounDefinition of KNELL
1
: a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster)
2
: an indication of the end or the failure of something <sounded the death knell for our hopes>
First Known Use of KNELL
before 12th century
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