Basse-cours is a French word that has been used for centuries to describe a courtyard or farmyard where domestic animals are kept. The term is commonly used in the context of poultry farming, where it refers to the area where chickens, ducks, geese, and other birds are raised.
Definitions
Basse-cours is a compound word that comes from the French words “basse” meaning “low” and “cours” meaning “court.” Together, they refer to a low-lying courtyard or farmyard. In the context of poultry farming, basse-cours refers to the area where birds are kept, fed, and raised.
Origin
The term basse-cours has its roots in medieval France, where it was used to describe the area around a castle or manor house where domestic animals were kept. Over time, the term came to be associated specifically with poultry farming, as farmers began to focus more on raising chickens and other birds for their meat and eggs.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the French dictionary, basse-cours is defined as a courtyard or farmyard where domestic animals are kept, especially poultry. The term is also used to describe the birds themselves, as in “les volailles de basse-cours” or “poultry from the farmyard.”
In the English dictionary, basse-cours is defined simply as a “farmyard,” with no specific reference to poultry farming.
Associations
Basse-cours is closely associated with poultry farming and is often used to describe the area where chickens, ducks, and other birds are raised. In addition to being used to describe the physical space where the birds are kept, the term can also be used to refer to the birds themselves, as in “les volailles de basse-cours” or “farmyard poultry.”
Synonyms
Some synonyms for basse-cours include farmyard, barnyard, and courtyard.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for basse-cours, but the term could be contrasted with other types of animal housing, such as a stable for horses or a pen for pigs.
The same root words
The root words of basse-cours are “basse,” meaning “low” or “lower,” and “cours,” meaning “court” or “yard.” These words are also used in other French terms, such as “basse-couronne” (a low crown) and “coursive” (a balcony or gallery).
Example Sentences
- Les poulets sont élevés dans la basse-cour. (The chickens are raised in the farmyard.).
- La basse-cour est située derrière la maison. (The farmyard is located behind the house.).
- Les volailles de basse-cours sont souvent plus savoureuses que celles élevées en batterie. (Farmyard poultry is often more flavorful than battery-raised poultry.).
Basse-cours is a French term that has been used for centuries to describe a courtyard or farmyard where domestic animals are kept, particularly poultry. The term is closely associated with poultry farming and is often used to describe the area where birds are raised, as well as the birds themselves. Understanding the meaning and history of basse-cours can help us appreciate the important role that this term has played in agriculture and animal husbandry over the years.