BELFRY Meaning and
Definition
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A belfry is a noun referring to a tall structure, typically attached to a church or tower, housing bells. It serves as a functional housing for one or more bells and often includes a tower or steeple-like structure which can be seen from a distance. The purpose of a belfry is to provide a secure and prominent location for the hanging and ringing of bells, which may be used to signal the time, call to prayer, or mark important events.
Belfries can vary in size, design, and construction materials, ranging from simple wooden structures to ornate stone towers. They are often built with openings or louvers to allow the sound of the bells to resonate and be heard clearly. The term "belfry" is derived from the Old French word "berfrei" or "bel" (meaning beautiful) and "froi" (meaning fresh), suggesting the delightful and refreshing sounds emitted by the bells within.
Beyond their functional purpose, belfries have become architectural symbols of churches and places of worship, sometimes encompassing decorative elements such as clock faces, ornamental carvings, or religious symbols. They contribute to the visual identity and character of a building or religious complex, adding a distinctive feature that can dominate the skyline. Belfries can also hold cultural and historical significance, with some structures dating back many centuries, representing the craftsmanship and engineering of earlier eras.
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The part of a steeple or building where a bell is hung.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for BELFRY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BELFRY
Etymology of BELFRY
The word "belfry" comes from the Old English word "berfre", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bergfrijaz". This word consists of two elements: "berg" meaning "mountain" or "high", and "frijaz" meaning "peace" or "refuge". Over time, the meaning of "belfry" shifted and referred to a structure that houses bells, specifically the bells of a church or a tower.
Idioms with the word BELFRY
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have bats in the belfry
The idiom "have bats in the belfry" means to be crazy or mentally unstable. It is often used humorously to describe someone who behaves eccentrically or irrationally. The term originates from the image of bats inhabiting the belfry of a church, a place associated with strange and erratic behavior by these nocturnal creatures.
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have bats in one's belfry
The idiom "have bats in one's belfry" is used to describe someone who is perceived as being eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable. It suggests that the person's mind or thoughts are illogical or confused, similar to the way bats flying around in a belfry (the bell tower of a church) would create disorder and chaos.
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have bats in your belfry
The idiom "have bats in your belfry" means to be eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable.
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have bats in the (or your) belfry
The idiom "have bats in the (or your) belfry" means to be crazy, eccentric, or to have strange or irrational thoughts or behaviors. It is often used to describe someone who seems mentally unstable or has unusual ideas. The phrase is derived from the image of bats flying around the belfry, which is the tower or room in a church where the bells are hung. Bats are associated with darkness and can symbolize irrationality or madness, hence the idiom.
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have bats in one’s belfry
The idiom "have bats in one’s belfry" means to be eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable. It refers to a person who has peculiar or irrational ideas or behavior. The phrase originated from the image of bats flying around a bell tower, suggesting the unpredictable and chaotic nature associated with someone who is not mentally sound.
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bats in one's belfry, have
To have bats in one's belfry means to be eccentric, slightly crazy, or have odd or irrational thoughts and ideas.
Similar spelling word for BELFRY
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