According to the etymology of this word it was once a royal residence but over time the word now means the complete opposite. What is this word, and what is interesting about the location now?

lanfranco

How about, "Mons Palatinus," or Palatine Hill in Rome, residence of the Kings? Then Middle Latin Palacium, to palazzo and palace, and finally to "Pale" -- enclosure and zone of exclusion. The original word might have been Etruscan, but no one can read Etruscan so far as I know. Apr 10 05, 6:25 PM

peasypod

Nice try lanfranco babe, although it has origins dating back to a certain latin word, it is more linked to a Middle English word. The zone of exclusion is bang on target though. Think word, not a particular place, as there are many of these. Apr 10 05, 6:33 PM

lanfranco

My husband the history maven suggests "dungeon," from "donjon." Apr 10 05, 6:38 PM

peasypod

Well then your maven beau erans the Golden Banana! Yep, the 'donjon' was once the the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress, ususally kept for royalty, I think one was built for King Henry II (??). Over years it became the 'donjon' which was then placed underground as a prison cell. Apr 10 05, 6:47 PM

peasypod

erans? Ha! He may well earn one as well. Apr 10 05, 6:48 PM

lanfranco

I think he'd love to eran a banana. Especially a golden one. Apr 10 05, 6:57 PM