Bestials

/bɛˈstʃəlz/ noun

Definition

Plural of bestial; multiple instances of bestial creatures, acts, or beings; or used as plural nouns referring to beasts.

Etymology

From bestial used nominally + -s (plural). In medieval texts, 'bestials' sometimes referred to beast-like demons or creatures in religious illustration.

Kelly Says

This plural form is rarely used in modern English, but in medieval manuscripts called 'bestiaries,' the artwork showed 'bestials' (different creatures) and assigned them moral meanings—a lion meant courage, a fox meant cunning—it was medieval symbolism encoded in pictures!

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