subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—(1) A custom in Commoners of singing out comments on Præfects at CLOISTER-TIME (q.v.); (2) cheers given on the last three Sundays of the Half for articles of dress, &c., connected with going home, such as “GOMER HATS” (q.v.), PARTY ROLLS (q.v.), &c.; and (3) Chapel bells which were divided into PEALS. [HALLIWELL = a noise or uproar: cf. M. E. apel = an old term in hunting music consisting of three long moots.]
c. 1840. MANSFIELD, School-Life at Winchester College, 62. The Junior in chamber … had to keep a sharp ear on the performance of the chapel bell, and to call out accordingly, ‘first PEAL!’ ‘second PEAL!’ ‘bells down!’
Verb. (old).—To scold.—GROSE (1785).
