bell-pull

A butler tugs the bell-pull to summon the maid.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A "bell-pull" is a cord, handle, or lever that, when pulled, rings a bell, typically used in older houses or buildings to summon a servant or signal an arrival.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She tugged the bell-pull near the fireplace to call for tea. (A cord used to ring a bell for service.)
  • The antique bell-pull was made of polished brass and silk tassels. (A decorative lever or handle for ringing a bell.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pull the bell-pull": to activate the mechanism that rings a bell.
  • Visitors were instructed to pull the bell-pull firmly once. (To operate the bell by pulling the cord.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bell (n): a hollow metal object that makes a ringing sound when struck.
  • The church bell rang at noon.
• Pull (v/n): to exert force to move something toward oneself; the act of pulling.
  • He gave a strong pull on the rope.

Synonyms

• Bell cord: a rope or cord used to ring a bell.
• Bell handle: a handle attached to a mechanism that rings a bell.

Related Idioms

• (None directly associated with "bell-pull" alone; however, "bell" appears in idioms like "ring a bell" meaning to sound familiar.)

Phrasal Verbs

• (No phrasal verbs are formed with "bell-pull" as it is a compound noun.)