Alarum

There can be no doubt that the word *alarm* (originally French) comes from the warning war-cry *à l'arme*. So all the French philologists agree; and the modern variance of *aux armes* does not invalidate so plain an etymology. When CH. admits that there can be no doubt that *alarm* and *alarum* are identical, it seems to one that *cadit questio*,—that all his doubts and queries are answered. I will add, however, that it appears that in the words' original sense of an *awakening cry*, Shakspeare generally, if not always, spelled it *alarum*. Thus— "Ring the *alarum* bell!"—*Macbeth*. "—Murder "…