treasure-trove

[trezh-er-trohv]

noun

1. anything of the nature of treasure or a treasury that one finds.

   Mother's attic was a treasure-trove of memorabilia.

2. Law.,  any money, bullion, or the like, of unknown ownership, found hidden in the earth or any other place: in the absence of statutory provisions to the contrary it may be kept by the finder.

treasure-trove

noun

1. law valuable articles, such as coins, bullion, etc, found hidden in the earth or elsewhere and of unknown ownership. Such articles become the property of the Crown, which compensates the finder if the treasure is declared. In 1996 treasure was defined as any item over 300 years old and containing more than 5% precious metal

2. anything similarly discovered that is of value

Word History and Origins

Origin of treasure-trove¹

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French tresor trové found treasure. See treasure, trover

Word History and Origins

Origin of treasure-trove¹

C16: from Anglo-French tresor trové treasure found, from Old French tresor _treasure + trover to find

Related Words

• bounty 
• cache 
• cash 
• gem 
• gold 
• jewel 
• money 
• prize 
• reserve 
• riches 
• valuable 
• wealth