peal

Definition

A loud sound, or a succession of loud sounds, as of bells, thunder, cannon, shouts, laughter, of a multitude, etc.

Etymology

From Middle English pele, peil, probably an apheretic variant of Middle English apel, appel, from Old French apel (“an appeal; pealing of bells”). Compare appeal.

Example Sentences

• "Whether thoſe peales of praiſe be his or no."
• "a fair peal of artillery"
• "and the deep thunder, peal on peal, afar"