lore
UK: lɔː | US: lɔːr
n. A body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth.
n. Archaic: Learning or knowledge in general.
No data yet.
The word "lore" traces back to Old English lār, meaning "teaching, instruction, or knowledge." It shares roots with the Old High German lēra and Gothic laiseins, all stemming from the Proto-Germanic laizō, which conveys the idea of learning or doctrine. Over time, "lore" evolved to specifically denote traditional or specialized knowledge, often oral in nature, such as folklore or cultural wisdom. Its simplicity as a monomorphic word reflects its ancient Germanic origins, where it functioned as a core term for transmitted knowledge.
The elder shared the tribe’s lore about the origins of the sacred mountain.
Medieval herbalists relied on plant lore passed down through generations.
Scholars study the lore of ancient civilizations to understand their beliefs.
The book compiles nautical lore from sailors across centuries.
In fantasy novels, dragons often feature prominently in mythical lore.