[Belongs to BELL v.2 The actual history is uncertain. (It may be only a fig. use of BELL sb.1, from its shape.)] The strobile, cone, or catkin, containing the female flowers of the hop.
1594. Plat, Jewell-ho., I. 43. His hops are more kindly, and the bels of them much larger.
1727. Bradley, Fam. Dict., s.v. Hop, About August the Hop will begin to be in the Bell or Button.
