noun
barrow
An ancient mound of earth or stones covering a grave.
The archaeologists examine a grassy barrow above the old burial site.
Etymology
Old English beorg means a hill or mound. The burial sense specializes that broad shape word to a mound raised over a grave.
More examples
- Several ancient barrows rise along the ridge.
- The excavation reveals a chamber beneath the barrow.
- A path leads past the prehistoric barrows.
Forms
barrow · barrows
Similar words
- tumulus
- A technical term for a burial mound.
- mound
- Does not necessarily cover a grave or have ancient origins.