øreklokk

Øreklokk is a term found in some Norwegian and Danish dialects that can be translated roughly as “ear bell.” The word is a compound of øre (ear) and klokke (bell or clock), but it does not have a single, standardized definition in modern dictionaries. Its meaning tends to be regional and historical, and it is primarily encountered in dialectal descriptions, folklore collections, and antique inventories rather than in contemporary technical language.

In traditional contexts, øreklokk may refer to a small bell worn on or near the ear as an ornamental accessory. The exact form varies by locality and period; possibilities include ear ornaments that incorporate a tiny bell or headgear where a bell is attached to create sound during movement or dance. Because the concept is tied to regional dress and folk practice, descriptions often emphasize aesthetics and cultural function rather than a uniform design.

Scholarly treatment of øreklokk is limited, and references are scattered across local histories, costume catalogs, and folklore anthologies. The term is generally not used in modern everyday Norwegian or Danish, and when it appears in sources, it is usually within the context of describing traditional costume or historical anecdotes rather than as a widely recognized object with a standardized specification.

Related topics include ear jewelry, traditional costume accessories, and bells used in folk practices. Given its regional and historical nature, precise meanings and examples of øreklokk can vary, and researchers typically rely on local descriptions to identify specific forms and significances.

See also: ear jewelry, earrings, bells in folk costume, Norwegian folklore.