Definition of hoard

The origin of the word "hoard" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled as "hord." The Old English word itself has Germanic roots, and it evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "hordijaz," which referred to a group of treasures or a large quantity of objects. In Old English, "hord" was used to describe a collection of valuable items, specifically those that were buried or concealed for safekeeping. The term was usually applied to hidden treasure or to the leftover food that was stored away for later consumption. The Old English word "hord" has evolved over time, with its modern English meaning of "a large quantity of something (especially money or valuable items) that is hidden away or guarded carefully" remaining recognizable from its early roots. The term "hoard" is still commonly used today, both in everyday language and in various financial and economic contexts to describe accumulated wealth or stockpiles of resources. In summary, the word "hoard" can be traced back to its Old English roots and its original use as a term for valuable items that were carefully hidden away. Its Germanic origins and subsequent evolution into its modern English meaning reveal the continued relevance of ancient linguistic traditions in shaping contemporary usage.