Lairing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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lairing
[ˈlɛrɪŋ ]
Definition
shelter, den
A lairing is a term used to describe a place where certain animals, particularly wild animals like wolves or bears, make their home. It can also refer more generally to a den or a shelter where animals live and raise their young.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The wolf's lairing was hidden deep in the forest.
- We discovered a bear lairing near the riverbank.
- The lairing of the fox was cleverly camouflaged.
Translations
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Origin of 'lairing'
The term 'lairing' can be traced back to Middle English, derived from the word 'laire', which itself comes from Old English 'leah' meaning an area of clearing, usually in a wood or a field. It is closely associated with the concept of animals creating a safe and hidden space for themselves away from threats and predators. Over time, the usage has expanded beyond just wild animals to refer to any kind of shelter or hideout where animals might raise their young or seek refuge from danger. In contemporary usage, it retains a somewhat rustic connotation, evoking images of nature and untamed wilderness.