A call to arms; a signal of the need to take up arms; a warning of the imminent danger of attack by a hostile force. Also occasionally more…

A sound used to warn of danger, or to attract attention, arouse from sleep, etc.; (in early use) esp. a loud and hurried peal rung out by a tocsin or…

A drum-beat in general, as a means of raising an alarm, attracting attention, etc.