belfry
[ bel-free ]
/ ˈbɛl fri /
noun, plural bel·fries.
a bell tower, either attached to a church or other building or standing apart.
the part of a steeple or other structure in which a bell is hung.
a frame of timberwork that holds or encloses a bell.
Slang.
head; mind: a belfry full of curious notions.
Idioms for belfry
have bats in one's belfry.
bat2(def 3).
Origin of belfry
1225–75; Middle English
belfray, apparently blend of earlier
berfray (< Middle French < Germanic) and Medieval Latin
belfredus, dissimilated variant of
berefredus < Germanic; compare Middle High German
ber(c)
frit, equivalent to
berc defense, protection, refuge (cognate with Old English
gebeorg; see
harbor) +
frit peace, (place of) safety (cognate with Old English
frith)
Words nearby belfry
Example sentences from the Web for belfry
British Dictionary definitions for belfry
belfry
/ (ˈbɛlfrɪ) /
noun plural -fries
the part of a tower or steeple in which bells are hung
a tower or steeple
Compare campanile
the timber framework inside a tower or steeple on which bells are hung
(formerly) a movable tower for attacking fortifications
Word Origin for belfry
C13: from Old French
berfrei, of Germanic origin; compare Middle High German
bercfrit fortified tower, Medieval Latin
berfredus tower
Idioms and Phrases with belfry
belfry
see bats in one's belfry.