Setts Meaning: Definition and Examples
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setts
[sɛts ]
Definitions
types of stone
Setts are rectangular blocks of stone, typically used in paving. They are often made of granite and used for road surfaces, paths, or other outdoor applications.
Synonyms
cobblestones, flagstones, paving stones.
Examples of usage
- The new street was paved with beautiful granite setts.
- Setts provide a durable surface for pedestrian pathways.
- The restoration of the old town involved replacing the original setts.
- Setts can often be seen in historic parts of cities.
animal homes
Setts refer to the burrows or homes made by badgers. These are intricate systems of tunnels and chambers used for living and breeding.
Synonyms
burrows, dens, habitats.
Examples of usage
- The wildlife officer inspected the badger setts for signs of activity.
- Setts can be difficult to find due to their underground nature.
- During the spring, badger setts are bustling with activity.
- Human encroachment threatens natural setts in many areas.
Interesting Facts
Zoology
- Setts are complex underground structures that badgers dig, sometimes using the same sett for generations.
- Each sett can have multiple entrances and hidden chambers which help badgers stay safe from predators.
- The size of a sett can vary greatly, from a small home for one badger to extensive networks housing entire clans.
Cultural Significance
- In the UK, badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, making it illegal to interfere with their homes.
- Setts often feature in traditional stories and folklore, symbolizing industriousness and community.
Conservation
- Habitat destruction and road building threaten badger setts, prompting conservation efforts to protect these creatures and their habitats.
- Badger setts play a crucial role in their ecosystems, creating homes for many other species when abandoned.
Literature and Poetry
- Setts have appeared in works like 'The Wind in the Willows', where woodland creatures and their homes are central to the story.
- Many poets consider setts a symbol of a hidden life, reflecting the mystery and secretive nature of the wildlife.
Origin of 'setts'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sett' comes from Old English 'set', meaning 'to place' or 'put down', which refers to where badgers settle down.
- In Scottish dialects, 'sett' also refers to a place where someone resides, reinforcing the idea of a home.
The term 'sett' originates from the Old English word 'setl,' which means 'a seat, a dwelling, or a place.' Its usage has evolved to refer specifically to stone pavers in the context of construction and road making. The use of setts date back to ancient times, likely beginning in regions where durable stone materials were readily available. As a construction material, setts became particularly popular during the Victorian era for their aesthetic appeal and durability. They were often used to create attractive streets in cities. The second meaning of 'sett' related to badgers comes from Middle English 'setten', meaning 'to set down or place', illustrating the idea of a burrow being a place set down in the earth. The dual meanings illustrate the rich history and adaptation of language over time.