Definition of barrow

The word "barrow" originated in Old English, specifically in the Anglian dialect, as "berew," which meant "fallow land." This term referred to land that had been previously cultivated and left fallow for several years to replenish its nutrients. In this context, the English word "barrow" referred to a mound of earth used as a site for cultivating crops on fallow land. Farmers would build these mounds, called "berrowes," around seeds when planting new crops, protecting them from disease, and essentially reducing the risks associated with cultivating crops on freshly plowed lands. Over time, as the original meaning of "barrow" became less commonly used, its definition evolved. By the 14th century, its meaning started to shift to describe a vehicle or sled used for carrying objects, such as food or building materials, as it was easier to move things using such a conveyance on barren plains rather than on uneven terrain. Today, "barrow" also refers to a type of grave, typically an earthen mound, containing the remains of ancient burials, particularly in prehistoric times. It is possible that this usage comes from the fact that the barrows were originally built over the graves, making them easier to identify and excavate. In a nutshell, "barrow" has had an eventful and varied history, originally referring to a cultivation technique, then to a vehicle and finally morphing into a term for a grave structure, demonstrating the linguistic evolution that a word can undergo over time.