BODIES SNATCH Meaning and
Definition
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Body snatching refers to the clandestine and illegal act of stealing corpses from burial sites or graves for various purposes, often without the permission or knowledge of the deceased's family or the authorities. The practice typically involves taking the bodies for medical research or anatomical dissection, but it can also be motivated by other reasons such as sale to medical schools, grave robbing, or even superstitious activities.
The term "body snatch" is derived from the concept of "snatching" or taking something quickly and surreptitiously. Historically, body snatchers were prevalent during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the demand for cadavers for teaching anatomical studies in medical institutions. The scarcity of legally obtained bodies led to the rise of this illicit trade.
This act carried serious legal penalties and societal implications, as it violated the sanctity of burial grounds and disrespected the deceased and their families. Consequently, families began implementing various measures to safeguard the remains of their loved ones. These protective strategies included using heavy tombstones, burying coffins deeper, employing watchmen or security guards, or even using mortsafes, iron cages or devices to prevent the unauthorized removal of bodies from graves.
While body snatching has become less prevalent today due to improved regulation and a greater availability of legal sources for medical research, the term still holds historical significance, reminding us of the dark and illicit practices of the past.
Common Misspellings for BODIES SNATCH
- vodies snatch
- nodies snatch
- hodies snatch
- godies snatch
- bidies snatch
- bkdies snatch
- bldies snatch
- bpdies snatch
- b0dies snatch
- b9dies snatch
- bosies snatch
- boxies snatch
- bocies snatch
- bofies snatch
- bories snatch
- boeies snatch
- bodues snatch
- bodjes snatch
- bodkes snatch
- bodoes snatch
Etymology of BODIES SNATCH
The term "body snatch" or "bodysnatch" originates from the practice known as grave robbing, specifically stealing corpses from graves for various purposes. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Body: The word "body" refers to a deceased human or animal. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "bodig", which means the physical structure or form of a living organism.
2. Snatch: "Snatch" is derived from the Middle English word "snacchen", meaning to seize or grab something quickly and forcefully. This term ultimately comes from the Old Norse word "snaka", which has a similar meaning.
When these two words are combined, "body snatch" or "bodysnatch" describes the act of forcefully and secretly taking bodies from graves, typically performed for medical dissections, scientific research, or illegal trade.
