The word "charnels" refers to a place where human remains are stored, such as a mortuary or a cemetery. The spelling of this word may seem confusing at first, but it can be broken down and explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced "chahr," similar to the word "car," followed by "nuhls," pronounced as "nəlz." Together, they form the word "charnels," which is spelled with an "s" on the end to indicate plurality.
Charnels, in its noun form, refers to a particular type of building or place used for the storage or disposal of human remains, particularly bones. This term is derived from the Latin word "carnālia," meaning "flesh," and has been part of the English language since the late 14th century.
Historically, charnels were commonly found in churches or monastic establishments, where they served as ossuaries or repositories for human bones. They were often associated with religious rituals and commemorations, symbolizing the transience of human life and the inevitability of death. In some cases, charnels even contained mass graves or catacombs.
The role of charnels gradually decreased over time, particularly with the advent of modern burial practices and the establishment of dedicated cemeteries. Nowadays, the term charnels is more commonly used in literature or historical contexts to evoke the atmosphere or imagery associated with these somber places.
Figuratively, the term "charnels" can also be used to describe situations, events, or places that are reminiscent of death, decay, or darkness. This usage is often found in poetic or gothic literature, where charnels may symbolize the morbidity or ominous nature of a particular setting.
The word "charnels" derives from the Middle English term "charnel" which was borrowed from the Old French term "charnel" or "charniers". This Old French word came from the Late Latin word "carnāle", which is the neuter form of "carnālis" meaning "fleshly" or "carnal". The Latin term ultimately traces back to the Latin word "carō" meaning "flesh". The plural form "charnels" is used to refer to repositories or buildings where human bones are kept, often associated with a church or cemetery.