What is a Grandsire? Understanding the Term for Your Mother's or Father's Father

Grandsire is a term used to describe the father of one's mother or father. It is an old-fashioned word that was commonly used in the past, but it has largely fallen out of use in modern English.

For example, if your mother's father is still alive, you might refer to him as your grandfather, but if he is deceased, you might call him your grandsire. Similarly, if your father's father is still alive, you might call him your grandfather, and if he is deceased, you might call him your grandsire.

The word "grandsire" is derived from the Old French word "gran-sire," which means "grandfather." It was commonly used in medieval times to refer to one's paternal grandfather, but it has largely fallen out of use in modern English.