Glossary of ringing terms – O

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Words or phrases underlined are defined within the glossary. Where it assists with clarity, a definition is annotated to indicate a part of speech. (n) = noun, (vb) = verb, (adj) = adjective, (adv) = adverb. Section references refer to sections within The Tower Handbook.  

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O

(1) Abbreviation for Out, a calling position (2) Symbol used to denote the tenth bell when writing out rows by number, eg 1234567890ET. Strictly this is zero rather than a letter O, but these are rarely distinguished in hand writing, speech and often typing.

Observation (bell)

A working bell whose position is used to define the calling positions, or one that does the same work in each part of the composition . If it is affected by calls, it is also called quarter hunt bell. If it is not affected by calls, it is also called a half hunt bell.

Odd

A row that can be obtained from rounds by swapping an odd number of pairs of bells. See nature of the rows

Odd bell method

A method designed to be rung on odd numbers of bells.

Odd place dodge

A dodge in 4-5, 6-7, etc.

Odd struck

A bell that strikes more quickly at one stroke than the other when swinging evenly.

Off

(1) Roll-ups 'off the front (or back)' have the characteristic sequence at the front (or back) of the row.
(2) eg 'two off' means 'take two off', ie turn the 2nd.
(3) Wider, eg 'keep off' See also keep in'

Officer

Most towers are run by one or more tower officer, ideally elected annually. They may include: Tower captain (or foreman), deputy captain, steeple keeper, secretary, treasurer, ringing master, .....

Omit

The absence of a call from a sequence of calls in a composition where there would otherwise be one. Omits can be used to lengthen compositions in the same way that calls can. [There may be another meaning in Doubles compositions, can anyone supply it?]

On the front / back

At or near front / back.

On the third, one, two, three

Usual way to call the start of a Devon Call change rise. One, two & three coincide with the initial swings and all bells are pitched in on the third pull.

One part

A composition that does not naturally divide into parts.

Open

Not muffled or silenced.

Opening course

The first course of a touch in which the observation bells are called into a particular coursing order and then not disturbed for several courses. See also turning course.

Open handstroke

The defining feature of open lead ringing. Each bell rings slightly slower at handstroke than at backstroke. It is commonly believed that only the lead bell needs to do this, but this is clearly untrue, since in that case, the bell ringing in 2nds place would clip the lead bell.

Open lead

Ringing with a gap equivalent to one blow before the handstroke of the lead bell, eg in rounds,
123456123456-123456123456-123456123456-

Opposites

Position (3) of a pair of bells where one is at the back when the other is at the front and they meet in the middle. Mainly in hand bell ringing.

Order of work

A way to memorise methods as a sequence of instructions.

Original

A principle whose plain course is a plain hunt.

Out

(1) Towards the back of the row. eg 'run out' = hunt away from the front at a call instead of making seconds.
(2) Run out.

Out of course

(1) (of a row, or sequence of rows) One that could be returned to rounds by swapping an odd number of pairs of bells (including swapping none) – also known as parity.
(2) (of a course) One whose coursing order could be returned to that of a plain course by swapping an odd number of pairs of bells (including swapping none).

Out quick

Hunt out, without making an extra place on the way (eg in Stedman - see figure 15.2-7

Out slow

Hunt out, but make an extra place on the way (eg in Stedman - see figure 15.2-7

Outing

A tour usually lasting a day or less, organised by a group of ringers to ring at several different churches. Manytowers, and some branches, hold an annual outing.

Over

Ringing in the position immediately following another bell. Eg when dodging with another bell, blows are struck alternately over and under it.

Over pull

Pull and check heavily all the time. Each cancels the other. It is hard work and normally impairs striking, but can be useful for coping with the unpredictability of bells when there is movement in the frame.

Over the balance

(1) The bell is swinging high enough to pass through the mouth up position at every stroke. It can therefore be held up to pause, or it can be stood.
(2) The bell is held by tension on the rope, between the mouth up position and the point where it would rest on the stay.

Oxford Treble Bob

One of the two commonest Treble Bob methods, characterised by adjacent places made right in 3rds and 4ths just before and just after the lead end (unlike Kent where the places are wrong).

Oxford Bob

A synonym for Single Oxford Bob.

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