bael
|bael|
/beɪl/
Indian wood-apple (fruit/tree); a name derived from 'lord' used as a demon's name
Etymology
'bael' (fruit sense) originates from Hindi 'bael' (बेल), ultimately from Sanskrit 'bilva' (बिल्व) meaning 'wood-apple' or the tree 'Aegle marmelos'. 'Bael' (demon sense) is a variant of the name 'Baal', from Northwest Semitic 'baʿal' meaning 'lord'.
The fruit name entered English from South Asian languages (Hindi/Urdu/Bengali) during early modern contact, preserving the local form 'bael'. The demon-name form passed into medieval and early modern occult literature as a Latinized/Anglicized variant of 'Baal' and appears in grimoires as 'Bael' or similar spellings.
For the fruit, the original Sanskrit name 'bilva' referred specifically to the tree and its fruit and that primary sense was preserved in English as 'bael'. For the demon-name, the original sense 'lord' in Northwest Semitic languages shifted to a proper name applied to deity figures and, in later Christian/occult texts, to demonic figures.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a tropical Asian tree (Aegle marmelos) and its hard-shelled fruit, also called Bengal quince, stone apple, or wood apple.
The villagers crushed the ripe bael to make a refreshing drink.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a name of a demon or king of demons in various grimoires and occult traditions (a variant of 'Baal').
In the medieval grimoire, Bael is described as a powerful king who commands legions of spirits.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 12:40