bellows

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a mechanical device that blows a strong current of air; used to make a fire burn more fiercely or to sound a musical instrument
  2. noun a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)
  3. noun United States author (born in Canada) whose novels influenced American literature after World War II (1915-2005)

Etymology

From Middle English belwes, plural of belu, belwe, a northern form of beli, from Old English bæliġ, northern form of bielġ, from Proto-Germanic *balgiz. Compare German Balg. See also belly. For the pronunciation /ˈbɛl.əs/, compare bodice, gallows.

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