Biscay

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A large inlet of the Atlantic Ocean lying between the coasts of France and Spain, known for rough waters and strong storms
2. The body of ocean water bounded by the western shores of France and Spain, notorious for turbulent weather and heavy seas
3. A bay of the Atlantic bordered by France and Spain to the east, characterized by challenging maritime conditions

Etymology: "Biscay" names the Bay of Biscay and, in its older sense, the Basque province of Biscay (Bizkaia in Basque, Vizcaya in Spanish). The name is far older than the English word. Forms like Bizcai, Bizkai and Bickaga appear in sources from the 9th to 11th centuries, and the name ultimately comes from the Basque word "bizkar", meaning "low ridge". The land is hilly and ridged, so the name describes the terrain itself. The Basque name is the root, and the English form is a later adaptation of the place name rather than a native English word. Speakers of other languages gave it their own spellings over the centuries, which is why Basque, Spanish and English versions look so different while pointing to the same ridge-country.