[f. BELL sb.1 + FLOWER.] The common name of the various species of flowering plants of the genus Campanula, distinguished by their handsome bell-shaped blossoms.
1578. Lyte, Dodoens, 172. In English they be called Belfloures, and of some Canterbury Belles.
1741. Compl. Fam.-Piece, II. iii. 374. Nettle-leav’d Bell-flowers.
1855. Browning, Toccata, Wks. VI. 55. On her neck the small face buoyant, like a bell-flower on its bed.
1882. J. Hardy in Proc. Berw. Nat. Club, IX. 430. The giant bell-flower (Campanula latifolia) grows near the footpath.
