TUMBRELS Meaning and
Definition
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Tumbrels is a noun that refers to a type of cart or wagon used historically for carrying heavy loads and prisoners, specifically during times of revolution or social unrest. The word originated from the Old French word "tumberel" which means "cart." Tumbrels have a distinctive design with low sides and wide wheels, allowing them to be easily loaded and unloaded.
In the context of history, tumbrels gained significant prominence during the French Revolution, particularly during the Reign of Terror in the late 18th century. These carts were utilized to transport condemned prisoners, specifically those who were sentenced to the guillotine. The tumbrels would carry multiple individuals at once, often in a standing position, as they were paraded through the streets toward their execution.
The term "tumbrels" has also become symbolic of a system or process that brings about a significant change or transformation. It suggests a vehicle for revolution or upheaval, figuratively representing a moving force that carries societal or political change. The image of tumbrels rolling through the streets has been used metaphorically to describe any transformative period marked by major social or political shifts.
In contemporary usage, "tumbrels" is primarily employed in historical and literary contexts to reference the carts used during the French Revolution or to symbolize a broader concept of revolution and upheaval.
Common Misspellings for TUMBRELS
Etymology of TUMBRELS
The word "tumbrels" comes from the Old French word "tumberel", which in turn derived from the Latin word "tumulus", meaning "a mound or hillock". "Tumbrel" was initially used to refer to a type of two-wheeled cart or wagon that was commonly used for transporting manure, refuse, or agricultural produce. Over time, the term became synonymous with a specific type of cart associated with the French Revolution, which was used to transport condemned individuals to the guillotine. The image of the tumbrel carrying prisoners to their execution became iconic during that period. Today, the word "tumbrels" is primarily used in a historical context to refer to those carts used during the French Revolution.
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