Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- the bell of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, rung on July 8, 1776, to announce the adoption of the Declaration of Independence; since then a national symbol of liberty: moved to a special exhibition pavilion behind Independence Hall on January 1, 1976.
A relic and symbol (see also symbol) of the American Revolutionary War. The Liberty Bell, first cast in England in the 1750s, is inscribed with words from the Bible (see also Bible): “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The bell hung in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and was rung at the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence. It cracked while being tolled for the death in 1835 of Chief Justice John Marshall and was taken out of service. It is now on display at Independence Hall.