quarry
UK[ˈkwɒri]US[ˈkwɔːri]
n
a place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted
n
an animal or person that is being hunted, chased, or pursued
v
to extract (stone or other materials) from a quarry
Etymology
the word 'quarry' presents a fascinating case of homographic convergence from two separate linguistic streams. the 'stone pit' sense derives from the medieval latin 'quadraria,' a place where squared stones are cut, rooted in the latin verb 'quadrare' (to make square). this reflects the practical activity of extracting and shaping building blocks. conversely, the 'hunted prey' sense has a visceral origin in medieval hunting ritual, entering english via anglo-french to denote the reward for hounds, the animal's offal. over centuries, the meaning generalized from the grisly prize to the pursued animal itself. despite their identical modern spelling, these two 'quarries' share no common etymological root, one stemming from geometry and labor, the other from blood sport and reward.
Analysis
the modern english word 'quarry' represents two distinct words that have converged in spelling. the first, meaning 'a place for extracting stone,' originates from medieval latin 'quadraria,' from latin 'quadrare' meaning 'to square.' the second, meaning 'hunted prey,' originates from anglo-french 'quirreie,' a variant of old french 'cuiree,' referring to the entrails of a deer given to hounds, from 'cuir' (skin), from latin 'corium' (hide).
Examples
the limestone from this quarry was used to build the cathedral.
the lion stalked its quarry through the tall grass.
they plan to quarry marble from the mountainside for the new project.