Can someone explain...

Churchyards and Monumental Inscriptions, Burial and headstone information

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Ann In the UK
Posts: 454
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:44 pm

Can someone explain...

Post by Ann In the UK » Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:59 pm

What exactly is a lair?

Yes, I know it's a grave, but is ithe word lair just a Scottish term for a burial plot?

Thanks.

Ann

apanderson
Posts: 395
Joined: Fri May 27, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Stirlingshire

Post by apanderson » Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:10 pm

Yes :)

Anne

AndrewP
Site Admin
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Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2004 1:36 am
Location: Edinburgh

Post by AndrewP » Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:13 pm

Hi Ann,

Chambers Dictionary gives:

Lair: the ground for one grave in a burying place (Scot.)

Part of the same definition as lair - a lying place, esp. the den or retreat of a wild beast.

All the best,

AndrewP

apanderson
Posts: 395
Joined: Fri May 27, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Stirlingshire

Post by apanderson » Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:17 pm

I have explained more .... (Eating my tea!)

These days a Plot and a Lair are the same thing, but there are also Lairs within a Plot or a Lair and these refer to the amount of space, e.g. how many folk can be buried in the one spot. Normally 3/4, but some have up to 6/7 and a lot more if there's children. (The wee tots were buried across the way so as not to take up as much room)

Anne

Ann In the UK
Posts: 454
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:44 pm

Post by Ann In the UK » Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:38 pm

Thanks all. Wasn't sure whether I understood correctly. Thought it may refer to something a bit posher, like a mausoleum or something.

Regards
Ann