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Bellman

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Before the new police force was established, watchmen or bellmen used to parade the streets at night, and at Easter a copy of verses was left at the chief houses in the hope of obtaining an offering. These verses were the relics of the old incantations sung or said by the bellman to keep off elves and hobgoblins. The town crier.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Bellaston (Lady)
Belle
Belles Lettres
Bellefontaine (Benedict)
Bellerophon
Bellerophon
Bellerus
Bellicent
Bellin
Bellisant
Bellman
Bellona
Bellows
Bellwether of the Flock
Belly
Belly-timber
Belomancy (Greek)
Beloved Disciple
Beloved Physician
Below the Belt
Belphegor