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Tumbril Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tumbril

[ˈtʌmbrɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical vehicle

A tumbril is a type of vehicle that was traditionally used for transporting goods, particularly agricultural products. It is a two-wheeled cart that was commonly drawn by animals, notably horses or oxen. Tumbrils are often associated with the French Revolution as they were used to carry prisoners to the guillotine. The design of a tumbril is characterized by its open top and wooden construction, allowing for easy loading and unloading of cargo. While tumbrils are not commonly used today, they remain a significant part of historical studies related to transport and social justice.

Synonyms

barrow, cart, wagon.

Examples of usage

  • The tumbril rattled along the cobblestone streets.
  • Farmers used tumbrils to transport their harvests.
  • During the Revolution, the tumbril symbolized impending doom for many.
  • The museum displayed a restored tumbril from the 18th century.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Tumbrils became notorious during the French Revolution, used to transport prisoners to the guillotine.
  • The imagery of tumbrils in revolutionary France highlights the tension between justice and brutality during that period.
  • In literature, such carts often symbolize the inexorable march towards fate, particularly during tumultuous times.

Cultural References

  • In the novel 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, a tumbril serves as a powerful symbol of the revolution's ethos.
  • The cart's depiction in films often evokes a sense of foreboding, reinforcing its historical associations.
  • Modern interpretations sometimes link tumbrils with the idea of collective punishment and societal change.

Art

  • Artists during the Romantic period often depicted tumbrils to evoke emotion surrounding themes of death and societal upheaval.
  • The imagery of a tumbril has been used in various artworks to capture the struggles of the common people during uprising periods.

Literature

  • The use of tumbrils in various writings symbolizes the harsh realities of war and justice.
  • Authors often employ the imagery of the tumbril to represent the passage of time and the inevitability of fate.

Origin of 'tumbril'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Middle French word 'tombere,' which means 'to fall,' referring to the cart's design.
  • Originally, tumbrils were used for carrying farm produce, showcasing their agricultural roots.
  • The word has evolved over the centuries, taking on darker meanings in the context of history.

The word 'tumbril' originates from the Middle English term 'tumbril' or 'tumbrel,' derived from the Old French 'tondre' meaning 'to tumble'. It was used in the early medieval period to describe a kind of cart used primarily for agricultural purposes. In the 14th century, the term began to take on its association with the cart used to transport materials to and from farms. However, it later gained notoriety during the French Revolution, where it was infamously used to convey condemned prisoners to their executions. Its association with this grim chapter in history solidified its place in the English language, and though it has fallen out of common use in contemporary transport contexts, it remains a symbol of historical significance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,786, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.