A burial ground or cemetery, especially one beside a church; also used metaphorically for places where things are discarded or forgotten.
Compound of 'grave' (from Old English græf 'pit, trench') and 'yard' (from Old English geard 'enclosure'). Originally distinguished churchyards from other burial grounds in medieval England.
The term 'graveyard shift' for late-night work supposedly comes from the graveyard being the quietest place during those hours, though some claim it refers to the deathly quiet of night work. Graveyards have inspired countless metaphors about forgotten or discarded things.
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