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.
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.
He is known as a guide of public opinion.
In ancient China, they rang a wooden-clappered bell to convey laws and decrees to the people.