I. ˈnel verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German er knellen to toll
Date: before 12th century
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
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
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