Bens

/bɛnz/ noun

Definition

Plural of ben; Scottish or Northern English term for mountain peaks, or inner rooms in a house.

Etymology

From Gaelic beinn meaning mountain. In house terminology, derives from Old English for 'inner chamber.' The Gaelic meaning dominates in place names, especially in Scotland.

Kelly Says

Thousands of Scottish mountains have 'ben' in their names—Ben Nevis, Ben Lomond—because of this Gaelic word, yet English speakers often have no idea 'ben' itself means mountain.

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