Mantling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mantling
[ˈmæn.tlɪŋ ]
Definition
encompassing action
Mantling refers to the act of covering or enveloping something, typically with a layer or cloak. This term is often used in a poetic or literary context to describe the way in which one object folds over or conceals another. Mantling can also evoke images of drapery or fabric flowing over an underlying form. In heraldry, mantling refers to the decorative foliage that appears on the shield, symbolizing the knight’s achievements. Additionally, in a broader sense, the term can imply a sense of protection or concealment.
Synonyms
covering, enveloping, shrouding.
Examples of usage
- The ivy was mantling the old stone walls.
- The artist depicted a figure mantling in a flowing garment.
- The clouds were mantling the mountains in a soft embrace.
Translations
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Origin of 'mantling'
The term 'mantling' comes from the Middle English word 'mantel', which in turn is derived from the Old French 'mantel', meaning 'cloak or mantle'. The origins can be traced back further to Latin 'mantellum', meaning 'a covering or cloak', which is a diminutive form of 'mantis', which means 'to cover'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings including not only the literal sense of covering but also more abstract connotations relating to protection and concealment. It retains an artistic and poetic flair in literary uses, often invoking imagery that appeals to the senses, particularly in descriptions of nature and human attire. The evolution of 'mantling' through centuries highlights the richness of language and its ability to adapt to varying contexts.