A loud sound, or a succession of loud sounds, as of bells, thunder, cannon, shouts, of a multitude, etc.
A set of bells tuned to each other according to the diatonic scale; also, the changes rung on a set of bells.
To utter or give out loud sounds.
To assail with noise or loud sounds.
A peal is when bells are rung for a minimum of 5000 changes, non-stop. This normally takes about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Changes are repeated the minimum number of times possible.
A group of different-sized bells, usually from two to six, located in a belfry of the Christian church and rung according to the liturgical calendar and on other special occasions. Each bell of the peal swings at its own rate, thus producing an ensemble of disorganized sound. This ringing is referred to as pealing. In the British Isles, peal refers to 5,040 "changes" rung in continuous succession (See Change ringing) on a "ring" of bells. Seven bells or more permit this number of changes; if the ring contains fewer than seven, a peal will consist of the maximum number of changes possible on that number.
a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
ring recurrently; "bells were pealing"
sound loudly and sonorously; "the bells rang"
a set of two or more bells hung for swinging in less than a full circle
A set of bells, often between five and twelve in number, tuned to a diatonic scale.
A peal is a term used in change ringing to describe the process of ringing a certain number of combinations, or permutations in the order of the bells, without repetition of any of the changes. Peals usually consist of between 5000-5280 changes, or permutations, and can take anywhere from one and a half to over four hours to ring, depending on the weight of the bells, and whether handbells or tower bells are being rung. They are considered to be both a physical and a mental challenge, in that concentration has to be maintained for a long period of time, and each individual ringer has to ring their bell without a break.