Also clamber. [Evidently related to CLAM v.2, of which it may be a frequentative derivative (cf. stutter, patter), and so better spelt clammer. The actual spelling shows association with the prec. word, and actual relation to that is, of course, also possible. Identity with Ger. klammern, or with clamber, seems hardly admissible, though association with the latter is found by a correspondent skilled in campanology, who says:
Clambering describes the way in which the sounds of the bells clamber as it were one on the top of another when they get into confusion; in Yorksh. it is called jumbling.]
1. Bell-ringing. See quot. and cf. CLAM v.2
Todd says ‘A term in ringing, according to Warburton, which other commentators … imagine to be merely his own opinion. It is, however, probable. To encrease the strokes of the clapper on the bell, in falling it.’
1747. Warburton, Shaks. Wks., III. 345 (T.). When bells are at the height, in order to cease them, the repetition of the strokes becomes much quicker than before; this is called clamouring them.
c. 1800. W. Jones, Key to Art of Ringing, 4. A true compass makes the ringing pleasant and harmonious … the want of it produces those clamberings and firings (as it is called) that destroy all music, and is very disgusting to every judicious ear.
2. To stop from noise, to silence; = CLAM v.2 2.
[Supposed by Warburton to be taken from the fact that the clamouring of bells is immediately followed by silence.]
1611. Shaks., Wint. T., IV. iii. 250. Clown. ’Tis well they are whispring: clamor your tongues, and not a word more.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Sir Gregory Nonsence, Wks. 1/2. Cease friendly cutting throats, Clamour the promulgation of your tongues And yield to Demagorgon’s policy.
