Definition of highland

The word "highland" originated from the Old English phrase "heglænd," which was a combining of two words: "heg," meaning "height," and "land," meaning "land." The term was originally used to describe any upland region with a high elevation, but in the 14th century, it came to specifically refer to the hilly and mountainous areas inhabited by Scottish clans. In Gaelic, these areas were known as "athaligned" or "atell," which literally translates to "land of the shovel" or "land of the plow," implying that the terrain was difficult to till due to its ruggedness. The English, on the other hand, coined the term "Highlands" during the 15th century, when they began expanding their territories northward and came into contact with the distinct culture and language of the Scottish Highlanders. The term "Highland" was originally intended as a contrast to "Lowland," which referred to the low-lying areas of Scotland near the coast. Over time, the term took on a more specific connotation, referencing not just the geography but also the unique cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands, which includes traditions like kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing, and Gaelic language and song.