/ piːl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
peal (of sth) a loud sound or series of sounds :
She burst into peals of laughter.
2.
the loud ringing sound of a bell :
a peal of bells rang out
3.
a set of bells that all have different notes; a musical pattern that can be rung on a set of bells
■ verb [ v ]
1.
peal (out) ( of bells ) to ring loudly :
The bells of the city began to peal out.
2.
to suddenly laugh loudly :
Ellen pealed with laughter.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : shortening of appeal .