Knell

(nēl), n. [A-S. cnyll, from cnyllan, cnellan, to sound a bell, M. H. Ger. knillen, N. H. Ger. knallen, to clap, crack, Ger. & Sw. knall, a clap, crack, loud sound, Dan. knald, Sw. gnālla, to creak, howl, gnāll, cracking, howling, Dan. gnälle, to bawl.] The stroke of a bell rung at a funeral, or at the death of a person; a passing bell; hence, a death-signal. The curfew tolls the knell of parting day. Gray. It is the knell of my departed hours. Young.