E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Peal.
To ring a peal is to ring 5,040 changes; any number of changes less than that is technically called a touch or flourish. Bells are first raised, and then pealed. (Qy. Latin pello, to strike?)
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“This society rung … . a true and complete peal of 5,040 grandsire triples in three hours and fourteen minutes.”—Inscription in Windsor Curfew Tower.
