tocsin

[ tok-sin ]
/ ˈtɒk sɪn /

noun

a signal, especially of alarm, sounded on a bell or bells.
a bell used to sound an alarm.

Origin of tocsin

1580–90; < Middle French < Provençal tocasenh literally, (it) strikes (the) bell, equivalent to toca, 3rd singular present of tocar to strike, touch + senh bell, sign

Example sentences from the Web for tocsin

British Dictionary definitions for tocsin

tocsin
/ (ˈtɒksɪn) /

noun

an alarm or warning signal, esp one sounded on a bell
an alarm bell

Word Origin for tocsin

C16: from French, from Old French toquassen, from Old Provençal tocasenh, from tocar to touch + senh bell, from Latin signum