Definition of lair

The origin of the word "lair" can be traced back to Old Norse, a language spoken by the Vikings in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. In Old Norse, the word "hlaer/hlair" referred to a place or den where an animal, particularly a bear, would make its home. The Old Norse word "hlair" was introduced into the English language through the Anglo-Saxon period, where it meant a hidden or secret place. Over time, the meaning of the word became more specifically associated with the lairs of wild animals, particularly predators like lions and wolves. In Middle English, the spelling of the word changed to "layre" or "layer", but it still maintained its original meaning. Later, during the Renaissance, the spelling changed once again to "lair". Today, the word "lair" is commonly used to refer to the hiding place of any animal, particularly a predator, and also has figurative meanings in everyday English, such as using "lair" to describe a shady or deceitful person or place.