hall etymology

Etymology:

The word "hall" originates from the Old English word "heall" or "heal," which referred to a large communal room in a medieval house. It was a central gathering place where people ate, slept, and entertained.

Meaning:

Today, the word "hall" has several meanings:

• Large public building: A large building used for public events, such as concerts, exhibitions, or meetings (e.g., Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall).
• Entranceway: A large room or area at the entrance of a building (e.g., the entrance hall of a hotel).
• Large room in a house: A spacious room, typically located on the ground floor, used for receiving guests or entertaining (e.g., a grand hall, a dining hall).
• Residence: A building or group of buildings that serves as a residence for students, faculty, or staff at a college or university (e.g., Harvard Hall, Oxford halls of residence).
• Assembly room: A room in a public building or organization used for meetings or gatherings (e.g., a town hall, a church hall).
• Meeting space: A room or area designated for specific meetings or events (e.g., a lecture hall, a conference hall).

Origin:

The Old English word "heall" is thought to derive from the Proto-Germanic word "haljô," meaning "covered shelter." This suggests that halls were originally large, covered rooms that provided protection from the elements. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as the German "Halle" and the Swedish "hall."

hall relate terms

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• hall

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• mark

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• hallway

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• hall

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• lobby

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• dormitory

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• mansion

  Etymology The word mansion comes from the Old French word mansion which itself deriv

• Valhalla

  Etymology Valhalla is derived from two Old Norse words Valr meaning the slain

• salon

  Etymology The word salon derives from the Old French word salon which in turn comes

• moot

  Etymology The word moot derives from the Middle English term mōt which originated f

• alky

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• narthex

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• room

  Etymology The word room originates from the Middle English word roum which in turn

• moor

  Etymology The word moor originates from the Old English word mōr which meant heat