Emmet

/ˈɛmət/ noun

Definition

An archaic or dialect word for an ant.

Etymology

From Old English 'æmete' or 'emete,' possibly from a root meaning 'to cut' (because ants cut things). The word survived in dialect and fantasy literature but is largely obsolete in modern English, replaced by 'ant' from Old Norse.

Kelly Says

Tolkien used 'emmets' in The Lord of the Rings, giving the archaic word new life in fantasy literature. It's a beautiful example of how dead words live on in specialized communities—gamers and fantasy fans keep 'emmet' alive in a way that ordinary speakers wouldn't.

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