Hele

/hil/ verb

Definition

An archaic term meaning to conceal, hide, or cover something; to keep secret.

Etymology

From Old English 'helan,' related to Germanic words for 'to conceal' or 'to cover.' The term is related to 'hell' through ancient concepts of the underworld as a hidden place, and survives in Scottish and dialectal English.

Kelly Says

The word 'hele' is so old that it's connected to 'hell'—both from the idea of a hidden, covered place—and it survives in Scottish dialects where you still hear it meaning to hide or protect something!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.