Doorbrand

/ˈdɔːrbrænd/ noun

Definition

A mark, brand, or distinctive symbol placed on or near a door, historically used for identification, ownership, or marking purposes.

Etymology

From 'door' + 'brand' (Old English 'brand', meaning 'torch' or 'burning mark'). The term likely originates from medieval practices of marking property with burned or carved symbols.

Kelly Says

Before house numbers, people marked doors with symbols—a red door meant a brothel, green meant an apothecary—so doorbrand is literally semiotics: your front door was your identity card.

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