noun
wooden-clappered bell
Historical term for a bell with a wooden clapper, used in ancient China and Japan to announce public proclamations or gather people.
古代中国では、木鐸を鳴らして民に法令を伝えた。
In ancient China, they rang a wooden-clappered bell to convey laws and decrees to the people.
noun
public guide; leader of public opinion
Figurative extension from the bell's role in spreading information; refers to a person who enlightens or leads the public. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
彼は世論の木鐸として知られている。
He is known as a guide of public opinion.