Browse phrases beginning with: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][K][L][M][N][O][P][Q][R][S][T][U,V][W][X,Y,Z] Bell, book and candleMeaning The phrase that denoted excommunication from the Catholic church. Origin In the excommunication ceremony officials close the book, quench the candle and toll a bell, as for someone who had died. The phrase is old and first appears, in Old English, circa 1300:
Shakespeare used the phrase in King John, 1595:
See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare. |