Noun
(nautical) A short length of rope, spliced to the eye of the clapper of a ship's bell and by which it is struck.
A long length of rope attached by splicing to a church's bell, by which it is struck, and with a sally for holding it.
A rope used to ring a bell serving as an old-fashioned doorbell.
(obsolete, slang) A lovelock.
Source: en.wiktionary.org