oubliette etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: oubliette
• Middle French: oubliette
• Latin: oblivīscī (“to forget”)

Meaning:

• A secret dungeon or cell, typically used for confining or torturing prisoners and long forgotten.

Origin:

The word "oubliette" originated in the French language from the Old French verb "oublier," which means "to forget." The word has been in use since the 13th century, and it originally referred to a place where people were imprisoned and forgotten, either permanently or for a long period of time. Over time, the word came to be used specifically for referring to a secret dungeon or cell, often located underground or in a castle or fortress.

Oubliettes were typically used to confine prisoners who were considered dangerous or who had committed a serious crime. The prisoners would be kept in the oubliette for an indefinite period of time, until they died or were forgotten. In some cases, the prisoners were tortured or starved to death in the oubliette.

Oubliettes were a common feature of medieval castles and fortresses, and they were also used in some prisons and other institutions. Today, the word "oubliette" is still used to refer to a secret dungeon or cell, but it is also used more figuratively to refer to a place where someone or something is forgotten or hidden.

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