[f. as prec.]
The rope by which a bell is rung, i.e., either those in a belfry, or those that hang from the bell-levers in a room or chamber.
1638. Ford, Fancies, III. ii. 163. Why hang thy looks like bell ropes?
1781. Cowper, Truth, 82. Girt with a bell-rope that the pope has blessed.
1871. Mad. Simple’s Invest., iii. in Casquet Lit. (1877), I. 311/1. He pulled a bell-rope which hung at his bed’s head.
1883. St. James’ Gaz., 30 Nov., 5/1. It has been decided that the bell-ropes are the legal property of the churchwardens.
