clang
verbEtymology 1570, of imitative origin. Compare also Saterland Frisian Kloang, West Frisian klank, Dutch klank, German Klang (from German klingen), Danish and Swedish klang, Latin clangere (“to resound”) (which probably influenced it).
1
To strike (objects) together so as to produce a clang.
- Around, the first Curetes (order solemn / To thy foreknowing mother!) trod tumultuous / Their mystic dance, and clanged their sounding arms; [...]a. 1722 (date written), Matthew Prior, “The First Hymn of Callimachus. To Jupiter.”, in The Poetical Works of Matthew Prior […], Edinburgh: James Nichol, […], published 1858, →OCLC, page 207, lines 58–60:
- A dented metal punching bag waiting to be clanged; a solitary object in the rhino's cage.2020, “Zoo”, in Still at the Rough Cusp of Renaissance, performed by Good Fuck:
2
To give out a clang; to resound.
- Middlesbrough will wonder whether it might have been different if the volley that Jelle Vossen slashed towards John Ruddy’s net after nine minutes had been a couple inches lower rather than clanging off the crossbar. They should not dwell on that moment too long, however.2015 May 25, Daniel Taylor, “Norwich reach Premier League after early blitz sees off Middlesbrough”, in The Guardian (London):
- A cell door clanged metallically and Wentworth was flung inside. He tripped, collapsed upon the concrete floor.1933, Norvell Page, Wings of the Black Death:
2 more examples
- The clanging and groaning of the train came nearer, and it staggered slowly into the station like a prey- laden monster into its lair.1920, Edith Wharton, chapter XXIX, in The Age of Innocence:
- Then the sparks flew from the anvil while the great hammer clanged on the metal, shaping it, and Henry begged to be allowed to try it1917, Rose Wilder Lane, Henry Ford’s Own Story:
3
Human sciences, Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology, Sciences To utter a word or phrase linked only by sound and not by meaning, characteristic of some mental disorders.