Meath

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An historical region located in Ireland known for its ancient royal significance and geographical features ; a formerly established county characterized by its cultural heritage and notable landmarks ; an area with a rich past, often referenced in historical and geographical contexts within Ireland
2. A traditional territorial division in Ireland distinguished by its historical importance as a seat of kings ; formerly a formally recognized administrative county noted for its natural and cultural attributes ; a geographical region with roots in early Irish history and local governance
3. A historically important Irish district recognized for its role in medieval times and old kingdom boundaries ; once an official county with unique cultural and historical sites ; a region commonly associated with Irish history and significant past events

Etymology: In the Irish kingdom of Mide, the "middle" was a literal place: the territory around Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland, lay at the centre of the island's provinces. Its name comes from the Old Irish word "mide," meaning "middle." The Irish form "An Mhí" survives in the modern county, and English speakers adopted the spelling "Meath." The English spelling is a coincidence. It happens to match "mead," the honey-based drink, which was once also spelled "meath." The two words are unrelated, so the county's name has nothing to do with honey or alcohol. Over the centuries the territory shrank as other kingdoms and later English administration reshaped Ireland's map. The name stayed with the county, now a small region northwest of Dublin, while the old kingdom's central role faded into history.