![]() ![]() In the West Midlands, meanwhile, the Old English -y- sound persisted, slightly modified over time, giving the standard modern pronunciation of blush, much, church. Under normal circumstances it transformed into Modern English -i- (in bridge, kiss, listen, sister, etc.), but in bury and a few other words ( merry, knell) it retained a Kentish change to "e" that took place in the late Old English period. The Old English -y- was a short "oo" sound, like modern French -u. Burying-ground "cemetery" attested from 1711. The meaning "cover, conceal from sight" is from 1711.
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