grail
UK[ɡreɪl]US[ɡreɪl]
n
A cup or plate that, according to medieval legend, was used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper and later became the object of quests by knights.
n
Something that is eagerly pursued or sought after.
Etymology
The word 'grail' has a mysterious and layered history. It entered English through Old French tales of chivalry, referring to the sacred vessel of the Last Supper. The Old French term likely evolved from Medieval Latin 'gradalis', denoting a shallow dish or platter. Scholars suggest a possible, though debated, connection further back to Greek 'krater', a large bowl for mixing wine and water, which would conceptually align with the Grail's nature as a significant cup or vessel. Over centuries, through Arthurian legend, its meaning transformed from a general dish to the specific, holy object of a spiritual quest, and later broadened metaphorically to signify any ultimate, elusive goal.
Analysis
The word 'grail' is a simplex form. It entered English as a loanword from Old French 'graal' or 'greal', which itself derived from Medieval Latin 'gradalis', likely meaning a dish or platter. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be related to Latin 'crater' (bowl) from Greek 'krater' (mixing vessel).
Examples
The knights embarked on a perilous quest to find the Holy Grail.
For many researchers, finding a cure for that disease is the holy grail.
The discovery of the ancient artifact was the grail of his archaeological career.