Derere

/dɪˈrɪər/ adverb

Definition

An archaic English word meaning 'at the back' or 'behind,' used as a directional term in old texts.

Etymology

From Old English derian or deore, related to 'back' or 'rear.' This archaic adverb appears in Middle English texts and eventually became obsolete, replaced by clearer terms like 'behind' or 'at the back.'

Kelly Says

Medieval writers loved this word—'derere' was efficient and poetic, appearing in manuscripts to mean 'way back there,' but over time clearer words like 'behind' made it unnecessary.

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