FAILED KEEP Meaning and
Definition
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"Failed keep" refers to a security measure employed in medieval times, particularly in castles and fortresses, where a fortified tower or structure within the defensive walls was designed to resist or delay attackers if the outer defenses were breached or fell. This defensive structure, known as a "keep," was intended to serve as a last line of defense and a refuge for defending forces.
However, the term "failed keep" denotes a situation where the keep's defensive capabilities were compromised or proved ineffective, leading to the overall failure of the fortress's defense. This could occur due to various reasons, such as a breach in the keep's walls, the failure of its defenders to hold their ground, or enemy forces finding a weak point and infiltrating the inner defenses.
A failed keep is a significant setback in the defense of a castle or fortress, as it signals a crucial vulnerability that the attackers have successfully exploited. It often resulted in the surrender or capture of the defending forces and the eventual conquest of the entire stronghold.
The concept of a failed keep highlights the importance of maintaining strong and impenetrable inner defenses to uphold the integrity of a fortified structure. It underscores the need for constant vigilance, strategic reinforcement, and skilled defenders to ensure the effectiveness of a keep and prevent the collapse of the entire defensive system.
Common Misspellings for FAILED KEEP
- failed kegp
- failed keex
- failed keet
- failed keer
- failed keeq
- feiledkeep
- faileadkeep
- f ailed keep
- fa iled keep
- fai led keep
- fail ed keep
- faile d keep
- failed k eep
- failed ke ep
Etymology of FAILED KEEP
The term "failed keep" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words: "failed" and "keep". Each word has its own origin and meaning:
1. "Failed": The word "failed" is the past participle form of the verb "fail". It originates from the Old French word "faillir", which means "to fail" or "to be lacking". The Old French term traces its roots back to the Latin word "fallere", meaning "to deceive" or "to disappoint".
2. "Keep": The word "keep" has a much older origin, coming from the Old English word "cēpan", meaning "to take care of" or "to hold". It has evolved through various linguistic stages, including Middle English "kepen", and has remained relatively unchanged throughout the centuries.
