gossip; tattletale; scandal-monger
Refers to a person who spreads rumors or gossip, often with a negative connotation. The word is derived from the image of someone clanging a metal rod to attract attention, akin to spreading news noisily.
He is the town gossip, quickly spreading rumors about anyone.
Obsolete term for a night watchman who would patrol the streets, often carrying a metal rod to strike and alert residents. No longer in common use.
In the Edo period, the night watchman patrolled the town at night, calling out warnings about fire.