Quarter bells are the bells that the clock mechanism strikes on each passing quarter of the hour. Often, as in the case of Big Ben, a different tune is played for each quarter. This enables people to be able to tell the time, without actually having to be within sight of the clock face.
Famous quotes containing the words quarter and/or bells:
“Somewhere between a third and a quarter of all people living in America today were born between 1946 and 1965 and if you think you’re tired of hearing about us, you should try being one of us.”
—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
“The bells they sound on Bredon,
And still the steeples hum.
“Come all to church, good people,—”
Oh, noisy bells, be dumb;
I hear you, I will come.”
—A.E. (Alfred Edward)