~ 1
■ noun
1》 a hollow object, typically made of metal and in the shape of a deep inverted cup, that sounds a clear musical note when struck.
↘the sound or stroke of a ~, used as a signal.
2》 ( ~s ) a musical instrument consisting of a set of metal tubes, suspended in a frame and played by being struck.
3》 Nautical (preceded by a numeral) the time as indicated every half-hour of a watch by the striking of the ship's ~ one to eight times: at five ~s in the forenoon of June 11.
4》 something ~-shaped, in particular the end of a trumpet.
■ verb
1》 summon or indicate with a ~.
2》 flare outwards in the shape of a ~.
Phrases
~ the cat take the danger of a shared enterprise upon oneself. [an allusion to a fable in which the mice suggest hanging a ~ around the cat's neck to have warning of its approach.]
~s and whistles attractive additional features or trimmings.
( as ) clear (or sound) as a ~ perfectly clear (or sound).
give someone a ~ Brit. informal telephone someone.
ring a ~ informal revive a distant recollection.
Origin
OE ~e , of Gmc origin; perh. related to ~ 2 .
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~ 2
■ noun the cry of a stag or buck at rutting time.
■ verb (of a stag or buck) make this cry.
Origin
OE ~an 'to ~ow', of Gmc origin.