laumaan

Laumaan is a term primarily used in certain Baltic languages, notably Latvian and Lithuanian, to refer to a flock, herd, or drove of animals. The specific context often dictates the precise English translation, but the core concept remains a group of animals moving or gathered together.

In Latvian, "lauma" can refer to a group of birds, a herd of cattle, or even a pack of wolves. Similarly, in Lithuanian, "lauma" carries a similar meaning, denoting a collection of animals. The term emphasizes the collective nature of the animals, often implying a shared purpose or movement.

Beyond its literal animalistic meaning, "lauma" can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe a large group of people, particularly when they are perceived as moving in a disorganized or unthinking manner, akin to a herd. This metaphorical usage, however, is less common than its primary application to animal groups. The word's etymology is thought to be ancient, possibly predating the separation of the Baltic languages, and is related to concepts of gathering and movement.