Pilmoor Arch
Early-attested site in the Parish of Thame
Historical Forms
- Pylmor 1357 Magdalen
- Peleforlong c.1250 Thame
Etymology
Pilmoor Arch (6″) is probably named from Pylmor 1357Magdalen , in Chinnor. Pilmore , Narrow Pilmer occur in the Chinnor Tithe Award and Pelmer meadow in that for Thame. Peleforlong c. 1250 Thame (in Thame) has probably the same first element. Pilmoor has been noted in a number of counties—v. PN NRY 23, PN D 420, PN Sr 158, and PN Nth li, where two Scottish parallels are given.The occurrences are widespread, and it looks as though the first element is a significant word. It could be the genitive plural of pīl , 'stake,' in which case the meaning would be 'marshy land marked off by stakes.' Alternatively, if OE pyll was used of any small stream, as suggested PN Sx 386, the etymology 'marshy land with a small stream' would be possible. Pil is the first element of a number of field-names in Oxfordshire, and a word for a small stream would be a suitable source according to the topography of the county. Cf. also Ewelme Pill 320.