n. & v.
--n.
1. the sound of a bell, esp. when rung solemnly for a death or funeral.
2 an announcement, event, etc., regarded as a solemn warning of disaster.
--v.
1. intr. a (of a bell) ring solemnly, esp. for a death or funeral. b make a doleful or ominous sound.
2 tr. proclaim by or as by a knell (knelled the death of all their hopes).
Phrases and idioms:
ring the knell of announce or herald the end of.
Etymology: OE cnyll, cnyllan: perh. infl. by bell