wake etymology

Etymology:

The word "wake" has Old English roots:

• "wæcce" (noun) - a nocturnal vigil, watch, or guard
• "wacian" (verb) - to keep awake, stay awake

Meaning:

• Noun:
  • A period of staying awake at night, typically in a social or religious setting
  • A watch or patrol kept overnight
  • The funeral vigil held for a deceased person
• Verb:
  • To remain awake or keep someone else awake
  • To celebrate an occasion with a gathering that lasts all night

Origin:

The origin of "wake" is believed to stem from the ancient practice of keeping a vigil with the deceased to prevent evil spirits from approaching or to honor the departed.

In the context of a funeral, a wake was a time for family and friends to gather and express their condolences, share stories about the deceased, and prepare the body for burial. Over time, wakes evolved into social gatherings that included food, drink, and entertainment.

In the early English language, "wæcce" referred to the nocturnal vigil associated with a funeral. By the 16th century, the term had expanded to include any type of overnight watch or gathering.

wake relate terms

• awake

  Etymology Old English awacian from Proto Germanic awakōną from Proto Indo European

• wake

  Etymology The word wake has Old English roots wæcce noun a nocturnal vigil

• awaken

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• awaken

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• waken

  Etymology The word waken is derived from the Old English word wacian which means t

• awake

  Etymology Old English awacian from Proto Germanic awakōną from Proto Indo European

• wake

  Etymology The word wake has Old English roots wæcce noun a nocturnal vigil

• waken

  Etymology The word waken is derived from the Old English word wacian which means t

• watch

  Etymology Old English wacian from Proto Germanic wakōjan meaning to be awake

• watch

  Etymology Old English wacian from Proto Germanic wakōjan meaning to be awake

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• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

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  1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f