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tanière

lair; den

noun tan-YEHR Rare

Usage Note

Tanière refers to the den or burrow of a wild animal such as a wolf, fox, or bear. Figuratively, it can describe a person's private retreat or hideout — sa tanière meaning their cosy den at home. The word is feminine and regular in the plural: des tanières. It is related to the archaic tane (burrow), and should not be confused with le terrier, which specifically describes a rabbit or fox burrow.

Examples

"Le renard se réfugie dans sa tanière."

Natural Translation

The fox takes refuge in its den.

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