GARDEROBES Meaning and
Definition
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Garderobes, derived from the Old French word "garderobe," were a common feature in medieval architecture, particularly in castles, manor houses, and palaces. The term generally refers to a type of latrine or toilet facility used during the medieval period.
A garderobe typically consisted of a small, private chamber or enclosure built into the walls of a building. It was designed to serve as a lavatory or place for bodily waste disposal. The chamber was often located within or near private quarters, providing convenience and privacy for the residents or occupants.
Garderobes were usually constructed using stone or masonry, with openings that extended beyond the building's exterior walls. These openings allowed waste materials to drop into a pit or chuted system beneath, enabling them to be collected or carried away. Some garderobes were designed with wooden seats or benches, while others provided simple holes for squatting or standing.
While garderobes provided some level of sanitation and hygiene, they lacked modern plumbing systems or water-based flushing mechanisms. Instead, various methods were employed to mask odors or reduce exposure to waste, such as using aromatic herbs, lime, or even potable water for cleaning purposes.
In addition to their functional usage, garderobes also served as storage spaces for valuable items. The enclosed chambers provided a secure location for storing clothes, precious possessions, and other belongings. Notably, the word "garderobe" also had a broader meaning in medieval times, referring to the wardrobe or storage area for clothing and personal items.
Today, garderobes are seen as historical artifacts that offer insights into the architecture, daily life, and sanitary practices of the medieval period.
Common Misspellings for GARDEROBES
- garderob
- farderobes
- varderobes
- barderobes
- harderobes
- yarderobes
- tarderobes
- gzrderobes
- gsrderobes
- gwrderobes
- gqrderobes
- gaederobes
- gadderobes
- gafderobes
- gatderobes
- ga5derobes
- ga4derobes
- garserobes
- garxerobes
- garcerobes
Etymology of GARDEROBES
The word "garderobe" has its origins in Middle English and in Old French. It ultimately comes from the combination of two words: "garder", meaning "to guard" or "to keep", and "robe", which originally referred to clothing or garments.
In the medieval context, "garderobe" referred to a small room or enclosed space where clothing and personal belongings were stored and protected. Over time, this term specifically came to denote the private room or chamber used for toileting purposes in castles, monasteries, and other similar settings. These toilets often consisted of a simple seat with a hole that led to a chute or cesspit below.
The term "garderobe" has undergone some variations in spelling and pronunciation throughout its history, sometimes appearing as "garderobe", "guarderobe", "garderope", or even "garde-robe".
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