The word "charnel" is spelled with a "ch" sound followed by an "ar" sound, and is pronounced as /ˈtʃɑː·nəl/. It means a place where bones and corpses are kept or a burial ground, and is typically used in the context of death and decay. The spelling of the word may seem complex, but it is a reflection of its varied origins in Latin, Old French, and Middle English. Overall, "charnel" is a curious word with a rich etymology that captures the somber realities of mortality.
Charnel is an adjective that describes something as being associated with or reminiscent of death, decay, or burial. The term often refers to places or objects connected to the disposal or storage of human remains, particularly those in a state of decomposition.
The word “charnel” is derived from the Old French “charnel” or “chairnel,” which ultimately stems from the Latin “carnalis,” meaning “flesh.” Its usage can be traced back to the 14th century, during a time when death was a prevalent and pervasive part of daily life.
In a literal sense, a charnel house is a building or enclosed space typically used to store or house bones or exhumed human remains. Historically, these spaces were commonly found near monasteries, graveyards, or places of worship. In a figurative sense, the adjective charnel can depict scenes, descriptions, or images that are macabre, gruesome, or deathly. It often conveys a sense of morbidity, decay, or darkness, and is frequently utilized in literature, poetry, or art to create vivid and unsettling imagery.
In summary, the term charnel describes anything associated with death, decay, burial, or the storage of human remains. It conveys a sense of morbidity and eeriness, often depicting scenes or objects that remind one of mortality or the passage of time.
Containing flesh or carcasses.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "charnel" derives from the Old French word "charnel" or "charnelle", which can be traced back to the Latin word "carnalis", meaning "of the flesh". It is related to the Latin word "caro", which means "flesh". Over time, the term "charnel" has come to signify a place or repository for human bones or corpses, often associated with graveyards or burial sites.