'Passing bell' definitions:

Definition of 'Passing bell'

From: GCIDE
  • Passing \Pass"ing\, n. The act of one who, or that which, passes; the act of going by or away. [1913 Webster]
  • Passing bell, a tolling of a bell to announce that a soul is passing, or has passed, from its body (formerly done to invoke prayers for the dying); also, a tolling during the passing of a funeral procession to the grave, or during funeral ceremonies. --Sir W. Scott. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]