"alarm bell," 1580s, from Middle French toquassen "an alarm bell, the ringing of an alarm bell" (late 14c.), from Old Provençal tocasenh, from tocar "to strike" (from Vulgar Latin *toccare "strike a bell;" see touch (v.)) + senh "bell, bell note," from Late Latin signum "bell, ringing of a bell," in Latin "mark, signal" (see sign (n.)). The current English spelling is from 1794, adopted from modern French.
双语例句
1. The tocsin rang impatiently, but other help ( if that were any ) there was none.
警钟紧急地敲着, 却没有别的救援出现 ( 即使有,也没有来 ).
来自互联网
2. The illuminated village had seized hold of the tocsin andabolishing the lawful ringer, rang for joy.
