EIGHT BELL Meaning and
Definition
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Eight bell is a term used in nautical and maritime context, specifically within the practice of timekeeping at sea. It refers to the eighth and final bell strike to mark the end of a four-hour watch on a ship. These bell strikes traditionally indicate the passage of time and the changing of watches or shifts on board a vessel.
In the traditional maritime system, the twenty-four-hour day is divided into six watches, each four hours in duration. The end of each watch is symbolized by the striking of a bell multiple times. The final bell strike of the fourth watch is labeled as "eight bell" because it marks the completion of a full day's rotation of watches, signaling a significant event for the crew.
Historically, the eight bell strike would be followed by a new set of watchkeepers assuming their positions and responsibilities, while the outgoing watchkeepers would be allowed to rest or engage in other activities until their next watch. This timekeeping tradition has been employed for centuries on ships worldwide, ensuring an organized and efficient system for sailors to manage their duties around the clock.
Additionally, the term "eight bell" is sometimes used figuratively to describe the completion of a task or the end of a period, much like the end of a watch on a ship. It is often seen as a metaphorical signal to rest, transition, or move on to the next phase.
Common Misspellings for EIGHT BELL
- eight bells
- wight bell
- sight bell
- dight bell
- right bell
- 4ight bell
- 3ight bell
- eught bell
- ejght bell
- ekght bell
- eoght bell
- e9ght bell
- e8ght bell
- eifht bell
- eivht bell
- eibht bell
- eihht bell
- eiyht bell
- eitht bell
- eiggt bell
Etymology of EIGHT BELL
The term "eight bell" has its origins in maritime tradition. It refers to a half-hour interval on a ship's timekeeping system, known as the bell system. In this system, bells would be struck to mark the passing of time and to signal the changing of the watch on board.
The word "bell" in the term "eight bell" comes from the practice of using bells to keep track of time. Each bell represents a bell strike or a chime. The number of bells struck corresponds to the current time on a 24-hour clock, except the count starts again at one after eight bells.
The term "eight bell" specifically refers to the eighth or last watch of the day, which is typically from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM. It signifies the end of the night watch and the start of the morning watch on board a ship.
