cairn

views updated May 18 2018

cairn / ke(ə)rn/ • n. 1. a mound of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark, typically on a hilltop or skyline. ∎  a prehistoric burial mound made of stones.2. (also cairn ter·ri·er) a small terrier of a breed with short legs, a longish body, and a shaggy coat.

cairn

views updated May 18 2018

cairn pile of stones. XV. Earlier carn (cf. barn BAIRN) — Gael., OIr., W. carn heap of stones.
So cairngorm precious stone, named from a mountain (Gael. Carngorm ‘blue cairn’) where it is found.

cairn

views updated May 23 2018

cairn. Tumulus of undressed stones, chamfered or solid, and usually of a sepulchral or commemorative character.

Cairn

views updated May 18 2018

Cairn

a pile of stones, usually erected to mark a spot as a memorial or to mark a cache of provisions, etc., 1535.