Demeure
/dɪˈmjʊər/noun
A residence or dwelling, especially in formal or literary usage.
Did you know?The word ultimately connects to Latin mora, meaning “a delay” or “pause,” while French demeure still means both “residence” and, historically, a stay or period of remaining.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
demorari
“To delay, linger, or remain behind; formed from de- and morari, “to delay.””
Medieval Latin
Latin
demora
“A delay, stay, or period of remaining in a place.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
demeure
“A stay, delay, or place where one remains; later, a dwelling or residence.”
14th Century
Middle English
demeure
“A dwelling, residence, or abode, borrowed from Old French.”
Modern English
English
demeure
“A residence or dwelling, now chiefly formal, literary, or specialized.”
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