Why did medieval people invent so many collective nouns? (2023)

2 months ago

Medieval collective nouns were often invented as part of a hierarchical hunting culture that emphasized social status.
The Book of Saint Albans (1486) is a key source for these terms, compiling hunting, hawking, and heraldry knowledge for medieval aristocrats.
Hunting terminology, including collective nouns, was used to distinguish social classes, reinforcing the nobility's status.
Some collective nouns were humorous or poetic, not all were used in everyday speech.
Many terms, like 'pride of lions,' survive today, reflecting the lasting influence of medieval hunting culture.

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