Schrein

German

Etymology

From Middle High German schrīn, from Old High German scrīn, from Latin scrīnium. Cognate with Dutch schrijn, English shrine. In older German, Schrein meant exclusively a case or box; the sense “sanctuary” is likely influenced by the English word.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʃʁaɪ̯n/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Rhymes: -aɪ̯n

Noun

Schrein m (genitive Schreines or Schreins, plural Schreine)

1. (archaic) a wooden case or box; a cupboard (in general)
2. (also religion) an ornate case, typically but not necessarily wooden, to hold valuable things, especially relics
3. (religion) a sanctuary, especially non-Christian, dedicated to some saint or deity

Derived terms

• Schreiner
• Heiligenschrein
• Reliquienschrein

Further reading

• “Schrein” in Duden online