Sacring Bell
Preserved but no longer current.
The bell rung in R.C. churches at the consecration of the Host, or at its elevation. Now called Sanctus bell, from the words Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, dominus, Deus Sabaothy pronounced by the priest. From the obsolete verb to sacre, to consecrate, used especially of sovereigns and bishops.
Era: ca. 1898 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Reproduced from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898 edition, public domain; archive.org, retrieved 2026-07-31; OCR text, minor errors possible). Reflects the scholarship and attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “Sacring Bell” mean?
The bell rung in R.C. churches at the consecration of the Host, or at its elevation. Now called Sanctus bell, from the words Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus, dominus, Deus Sabaothy pronounced by the priest. From the obsolete verb to sacre, to consecrate, used especially of sovereigns and bishops.
Is “Sacring Bell” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.