chime

chime

chime¹ [chīm]

n.

[ME chimbe, cimble < OFr < L cymbalum, CYMBAL]

1. a contrivance for striking a bell or set of bells

2. [usually pl.]

a) a set of bells tuned to a musical scale

b) a similar set of metal tubes, hung vertically and struck with a hammer

3. a single bell rung by a hammer, as in a clock

4. [usually pl.] the musical sounds or harmony produced by or as by chimes

5. harmony; agreement

vi.

chimed, chiming

1. to ring out when struck; sound as a chime

2. to sound in harmony, as bells

3. to harmonize; agree

vt.

1. to ring, play, or strike (a bell, set of bells, etc.)

2. to make (music or sound) on chimes

3. to give (the time) by striking bells

4. to call, summon, etc. by sounding a chime

——————

chime in

1. to join in or interrupt a conversation

2. to agree

chimer

n.

chime² [chīm]

n.

[ME chimb < OE cimb- (only in compounds); akin to Du kim, Ger kimme, an edge & ? COMB¹]

the extended rim at each end of a cask or barrel