what is


Question by  avanthika (23)

What does "two bells" mean with regard to the time?

My sister's boyfriend says stuff like that all the time.


Answer by  patti (29325)

"Bells" refers to the ringing of bells to announce the passing of time during a watch on a ship or boat. Bells were rung to mark each half-hour; "two bells" meant one hour had passed. It is a rather involved system that you can read about online.


Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

It was a way for the Navy to track of time before clocks were available. Using an hourglass, every half hour was marked by one ring of the bell. One hour, 2 rings continuing up to 8 bells at the end of 4 hours. 2 bells would be 1,5,9 O'clock.

You have 50 words left!