menhir
oxford
views updated May 23 2018menhir Archaeological term given to single standing stones found in
w Europe. Probably of
Neolithic origin, they are usually tall and square in section, tapering towards the top. They are thought to mark places of religious or ritual significance. See also
dolmen;
megalith World Encyclopedia
menhir
oxford
views updated Jun 08 2018menhir a tall upright stone of a kind erected in prehistoric times in western
Europe. The word comes from Breton
men ‘stone’ +
hir ‘long’.
The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES
menhir
oxford
views updated May 23 2018 A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture JAMES STEVENS CURL
menhir
oxford
views updated May 21 2018menhir tall monumental stone. XIX. — Breton
men hir (maen stone,
hir long) = W.
maen hir, Corn.
medn hir.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD