Also 5 knolle, 7 knole. [Formed with next, from same root as KNELL, perh. with later onomatopœic modification.]

1

  1.  An act, or the action, of ‘knolling’ or tolling a bell; the sound of a large bell. arch. and dial.

2

1379.  Mem. Ripon (Surtees), III. 100. Pro factura campanæ del knoll.

3

1497.  Bp. Alcock, Mons Perfect., E j. At the fyrst knolle of ye bell they departe fro theyr celles.

4

1615.  G. Sandys, Trav., IV. 233. The watch of one Fort giues two or three Knoles with a bell.

5

1795–1814.  Wordsw., Excurs., VI. 801. The bells … before The last hath ceased its solitary knoll.

6

  † 2.  A large bell; a church-bell. Obs.

7

1379.  Mem. Ripon (Surtees), III. 99. In viij stanges meremii sarrandis … pro le knoll [margin, Custus del klank knoll].

8

1412–3.  Durham Acc. Rolls, 403. Pro reparacione del knoll.

9