bell Summary and Overview
Bible Dictionaries at a Glance
bell in Easton's Bible Dictionary
The bells first mentioned in Scripture are the small golden bells attached to the hem of the high priest's ephod (Ex. 28:33, 34, 35). The "bells of the horses" mentioned by Zechariah (14:20) were attached to the bridles or belts round the necks of horses trained for war, so as to accustom them to noise and tumult.
bell in Schaff's Bible Dictionary
BELL . Bells were attached to the bottom of the high priest's robe, that he might be heard when he went into or came out of the holy place. Ex 28:33, Ex 28:35. Many of the Eastern kings and nobles wear bells in the same manner at this day, not only for ornament, but to give notice of their approach. The Arabian ladies in the royal presence have little gold bells fastened to their legs, necks, and elbows, which make an agreeable sound when they dance. The "bells of the horses" mentioned in Zech 14:20 were concave or flat pieces of brass, still used in the East as ornaments upon animals.