An archaic exclamation expressing wonder or amazement; a marvel or miracle.
From Old French a merveille (as a marvel/miracle), from Latin mirabilia (wondrous things). This Middle English exclamation combined French and Latin elements and appeared in medieval texts expressing surprise or admiration.
This word is a time capsule from Middle English—you can almost hear a medieval person exclaiming 'a merveille!' in wonder at something astonishing, and it shows how excitement sounds different across centuries.
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