Meaning & use
Keener
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A person, traditionally a woman, who performs loud ritual wailing and lamentation at a funeral, especially in Irish and Scottish tradition.
See it in a sentence
The keener's mournful cries echoed through the village as the funeral procession passed.
Professional keeners were once hired to lead the wake with traditional laments for the deceased.
A note on using this word
The word comes from the Irish "caoineadh," meaning "to weep or wail," and is distinct from "keener" as the comparative form of the adjective "keen."
Words with a similar meaning
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Another way to use it
2. adjective
Comparative form of "keen," meaning more sharp, eager, or intense.
She had a keener eye for detail than any other editor on the team.
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