RUNRIG Meaning and
Definition
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Runrig is a term with multiple meanings, referring to different concepts depending on the context in which it is used. In a general sense, runrig can be defined as a land tenure system that was prevalent in Scotland during the Middle Ages and early modern period. This system involved dividing arable or grazing land into long, narrow strips, each strip being used by different tenants. Runrig allowed for communal cultivation and shared usage of land within a specific community or village.
Additionally, runrig can also be associated with the Scottish Celtic rock band "Runrig." Formed in the 1970s, the band gained popularity for their blend of traditional Gaelic music with rock elements, and their lyrics often tackled themes related to Scottish culture, heritage, and landscape. "Runrig" became synonymous with the band's musical style and their contribution to the Scottish music scene.
Furthermore, runrig is often used to describe a specific type of cultivation pattern, usually found in northern Europe, where ploughing is conducted along the long axis of a strip of land rather than across it. This pattern is meant to optimize land use and minimize soil erosion.
In summary, runrig encompasses different concepts such as a historic land tenure system, a renowned Scottish band, and a specific cultivation pattern.
Etymology of RUNRIG
The word "runrig" has its origins in Scottish Gaelic, specifically in the terms "rùn-righe" or "rùn-righeachd". These terms consist of two components: "rùn", meaning "share" or "portion", and "righe" or "righeachd", meaning "land" or "field". In its literal sense, "runrig" refers to a shared or divided field, where different parts of the land are allocated and cultivated by different individuals or families. The word has also been used in a metaphorical sense to imply disorder or confusion.
