Obs. [f. FORE- pref. + BELL.] The first of a peal of bells.
1484. Churchw. Acc. Wigtoft, nr. Boston (Nichols, 1797), 79. For shotyng of an irren bolte to the forbell whele.
1529. Churchw. Acc. St. Giles Reading, 37. Paid to Willm Somers for Iron werk for the fore bell.
1546. Ludlow Churchw. Acc. (Camden), 26. For a loker, and pesynge of the for belle rope, iiiij d.
1801. Strutt, Sports & Past., III. v. § 18. 202. These [morris-dancers’] bells were of unequal sizes, and differently denominated, as the fore bell, the second bell, the treble, the tenor or great bell, and mention is also made of double bells.
