What does skep mean?
A skep is a type of beehive or container used for housing honeybees. It is often made from a woven basket or other material and is used in traditional or old-fashioned beekeeping practices. The term 'skep' can refer to both the container and the beehive itself. Skeps are typically used for keeping honeybees and are an important part of apiculture. Beekeepers use skeps to manage their bees and harvest honey. The use of skeps dates back centuries and is still practiced today by many beekeepers around the world.
nounA skep is a beehive made from a woven basket or a container used for keeping bees. It is often used for housing honeybees.
- A container for housing bees
- A beehive made from a woven basket
"The beekeeper carefully lifted the skep to inspect the honeycomb inside."
"The apiary had several skeps filled with busy honeybees."
"The old skep on the farm had been used for generations."
The plural form 'skeps' is used when referring to multiple containers or beehives.
"The apiary had several skeps filled with busy honeybees."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of skep
The word 'skep' has its origins in Old English and is related to the word 'sceppan', which means 'to scoop' or 'to shape'. The term has been used in the context of beekeeping since the 14th century. It is also related to the Old Norse word 'skeppa', which means 'basket'.
How skep is actually used
The term 'skep' is often used in the context of traditional or old-fashioned beekeeping. It can also refer to the beehive itself.