[See CLAM sb.6, CLAMOUR v.2]
1. a. intr. Of bells: To sound or crash together.
a. 1800[?]. Lines in Belfry St. Peter’s, Shrewsb. (N.). When bells ring round and in their order be, They do denote how neighbours should agree; But when they clam, the harsh sound spoils the sport, And ’tis like women keeping Dover-court.
b. trans.
1702. J. D. & C. M., Campanalogia Improved, 170. When they [bells] lie fifth’s thus, 1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8…: ’tis then most pleasant and excellent Musick, to clam them, that is the two notes of each concord to strike together, and if they be clam’d true the eight Bells will strike like four, but with far greater Musick and Harmony.
1822–76. Nares, Gloss., s.v., The bells are said to be clamm’d when … they are all pulled off at once.
2. fig. To put an end to (din); to silence, hush: cf. CLAMOUR v.2 2.
1674. N. Fairfax, Bulk & Selv., Ep. Ded. It … answers the noise of Talking by the stilness of Doing, as the Italians clam rowt and tattle into nodding and beckning.
Hence Clamming vbl. sb.
1684. R. H., Sch. Recreation, 179 (T.). Clamming is, when each Concord strike together; which being done true, the 8 will strike as but four Bells, & make a Melodious Harmony.
