Bastle house is a term that is not commonly known, but it has an interesting history and meaning. This article will explore the definition and meaning of bastle house, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
A bastle house is a type of fortified farmhouse that was built in the Border region between England and Scotland during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was designed to provide protection for the people and their livestock from raiders and thieves.
The bastle house was a two-story building with thick stone walls and a single entrance that was often protected by a heavy wooden door. The ground floor was used to house the livestock, while the upper floor was used as a living space.
Origin
The word “bastle” comes from the Old Norse word “bolstaðr,” which means a farmstead or dwelling place. The bastle house was first built in the 16th century in response to the constant raids and violence that plagued the Border region between England and Scotland.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term “bastle house” is not commonly used today, and it is not found in most modern dictionaries. However, it can be found in some historical dictionaries and encyclopedias.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a bastle house as “a fortified farmhouse in the Border country between England and Scotland, built for protection against raids.”
Associations
The bastle house is associated with the history and culture of the Border region between England and Scotland. It is a symbol of the violence and conflict that characterized this region during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Today, some bastle houses have been preserved as historical landmarks and tourist attractions. They provide a glimpse into the past and help to tell the story of this fascinating region.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for bastle house, as it is a unique type of building that was only found in the Border region between England and Scotland.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bastle house, as it is a unique type of building that was only found in the Border region between England and Scotland.
The same root words
The word “bastle” comes from the Old Norse word “bolstaðr,” which means a farmstead or dwelling place. Other words that share this root include “booth,” “barn,” and “stall.”
Example Sentences
- The bastle house was a symbol of the violence and conflict that characterized the Border region between England and Scotland.
- The thick stone walls of the bastle house provided protection for the people and their livestock from raiders and thieves.
- The bastle house was a two-story building with a single entrance that was often protected by a heavy wooden door.