A bestiary is a type of medieval book that describes various animals, real and mythical, and their supposed characteristics. It is a fascinating source of information about the beliefs and attitudes of people in the Middle Ages towards the natural world. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and associations of the term “bestiary.”
Definitions
A bestiary is a collection of stories, illustrations, and descriptions of animals, often accompanied by moral or religious lessons. It is a type of compendium, or encyclopedia, that was popular in the Middle Ages. The term “bestiary” is derived from the Latin word “bestia,” which means “beast” or “animal.”
Origin
The bestiary originated in ancient Greece, where the philosopher Aristotle wrote a book called “Historia Animalium” (History of Animals) in the 4th century BCE. This work classified animals according to their physical characteristics and behavior. The idea of a bestiary as we know it today, however, emerged in the Middle Ages, when it became a popular form of literature in Europe.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bestiary is “a medieval book consisting of allegorical or moralizing descriptions of real or imaginary animals, often accompanied by illustrations.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a medieval manuscript describing and illustrating various animals, both real and mythical, often including a moral or allegorical interpretation.”
Associations
The bestiary is associated with the medieval period, when it was a popular form of literature. It is also associated with the Christian Church, as many bestiaries were written by monks and contained religious symbolism. Bestiaries were often used as teaching tools, as the stories and illustrations were thought to convey important moral lessons.
Synonyms
Synonyms of bestiary include animal book, animal encyclopedia, and animal lore.
Antonyms
Antonyms of bestiary include fiction, fantasy, and myth.
The same root words
Words with the same root as bestiary include bestial, beastly, and beast.
Example Sentences
- The library has a rare collection of medieval bestiaries.
- The bestiary was used to teach children about the natural world and its wonders.
- The illustrations in the bestiary were often highly stylized and symbolic.
- The bestiary was an important source of information about animals in the Middle Ages.
- The bestiary was a popular form of literature in Europe during the medieval period.