sally-hole

A bell ringer threads a rope through the sally-hole.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hole for a bell rope: "sally-hole" refers to a small opening or aperture, typically in a ceiling or wall, through which a bell rope (called a "sally") passes. It is used in the context of ringing bells, especially in churches or towers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bell ringer carefully threaded the rope through the sally-hole to connect it to the bell above. (The rope was passed through the opening to operate the bell.)
  • The old church had a sally-hole in the ceiling, worn smooth by years of use. (The opening was a permanent feature for bell ringing.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pull through the sally-hole": to guide the bell rope through the aperture.
  • The new ringer struggled to pull the rope through the sally-hole without tangling it. (The action of threading the rope.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sally (n): the soft, padded part of a bell rope, often colored, used to grip when ringing.

  • The sally on the rope was worn from frequent use. (The padded grip section.)

• Bell-rope (n): the rope attached to a bell for ringing.

  • He grasped the bell-rope firmly before pulling. (The rope itself.)

Synonyms

• Rope-hole: a hole for a rope to pass through.
• Aperture: an opening or gap.

Related Idioms

• None: "sally-hole" is a specific technical term and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions.

Additional Notes

• This word is highly specialized and primarily used in the context of bell ringing (campanology). It is not common in everyday English.