Bavin

/ˈbævɪn/ noun

Definition

A bundle of brushwood or sticks bound together, historically used as fuel or for making fires.

Etymology

From Middle English 'bavin,' possibly deriving from Old French or Scandinavian sources. The exact origin is uncertain, but it may relate to words meaning 'bundle' or 'faggot' (the archaic term for a bundle of sticks, from Old French 'fagot').

Kelly Says

Bavin is a medieval firewood term that almost disappeared—if Shakespeare hadn't complained about 'these envious Bavins' in one of his plays, we might never know the word at all, yet it perfectly captures pre-industrial heating practices.

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