Charnel

MEANING

ORIGIN

Medieval Latin

ETYMOLOGY

Derived from the Latin 'carnālis', meaning 'related to flesh', and later adapted in English as 'charnel' referring to a place where bones are stored.

CULTURAL NOTES

The term 'charnel' is often used in literary and gothic contexts, evoking imagery of ancient burial practices.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Historically used in reference to charnel houses in medieval Europe, where bones of the dead were stored.