rounceval

1 of 2

adjective

obsolete

: huge, large

rounceval

2 of 2

noun

roun·​ce·​val

ˈrau̇n(t)səvəl

plural -s

1

obsolete

a

: something very large : giant, monster

b

: a big loud woman : virago

2

: marrowfat sense 1

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from Rouncesvalles, Roncevaux, mountain pass in northern Spain; from the gigantic bones shown there as those of the paladins of Charlemagne slain in battle in 778

First Known Use

Adjective

1582, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined above

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