Main Entry: ¹knell

Pronunciation: \ˈnel\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German erknellen to toll

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb : to summon or announce by or as if by a knellintransitive verb 1 : to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll
2 : to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect