Dossel

/ˈdɑsəl/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of 'dossal'; a richly decorated church cloth or tapestry.

Etymology

Alternative spelling of 'dossal,' from Medieval Latin 'dorsale.' Different regional and historical documents used various spellings before standardization of English in printing.

Kelly Says

The existence of spelling variants like 'dossel' and 'dossal' reminds us that English spelling wasn't standardized until the printing press—medieval monks spelled things however they felt was clearest!

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