[Echoic: cf. ting, tang, dong, etc.] A deep ringing sound produced by a stroke on a large bell, deeper than that denoted by TANG sb.2, but sharper than that denoted by dong; the stroke producing this.
1881. Miss Jackson, Shropsh. Word-bk., Tong, the sound produced by a slow single stroke on a church-bell; the stroke itself…. ‘The bell gies a tong or two w’en they comen out o’ Church.’
1883. C. S. Burne, Folk-Lore, xxxvii. 604. Giving a few tongs on the bell.
