1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a a set of attuned bells. b the series of sounds given by this. c (usu. in pl.) a set of attuned bells as a door bell.
2 agreement, correspondence, harmony.
--v.
1. a intr. (of bells) ring. b tr. sound (a bell or chime) by striking.
2 tr. show (the hour) by chiming.
3 intr. (usu. foll. by together, with) be in agreement, harmonize.
Phrases and idioms:
chime in
1. interject a remark.
2 join in harmoniously.
3 (foll. by with) agree with.
Derivatives:
chimer n.
Etymology: ME, prob. f. chym(b)e bell f. OE cimbal f. L cymbalum f. Gk kumbalon CYMBAL 2. n. (also chimb) the projecting rim at the end of a cask.
Etymology: ME: cf. MDu., MLG kimme