Middle-english Glossary |
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abid, abyd, abyde verb, prsnt. remain, await, wait; abood verb, pst. awaited, remained
affrayed verb, pst. frightened, afraid
after-mete prep. the time after diner
agast verb, pst. prtcpl. frightened
agaste verb, pst. sg. frightened
aketoun noun wadded jacket worn under the chain-mail coat
al bifore adv. first, before everyone else, heading the procession
alderfirst first of all, to begin with
algate, algates adv. always, all the same
alle and some one and all, everyone
allyen verb ally oneself, marry
al speke he although he may speak
amalgamyng noun blending, amalgamation
amende verb improve, correct, remedy
amended verb, pst. prtcpl. improved, corrected
amonesteth verb, prsnt. sg. admonishes
Amor vincit omnia (Latin) Love conquers all
anlaas noun broad two-edged dagger
annueleer noun chantry priest, a priest who sings anniversary masses for the dead
anon, anoon adv. straightway, at once, immediately
antiphoner noun anthem-book, book of antiphonal hymns
ape noun 1. fool, dupe; 2. monkey
aperteneth verb, prsnt. sg. befits
appalled adj. pale-looking, faded
appreved verb approved, proven, tested
apeyren verb injure, damage, insult
argumentz noun logical reasoning
armee noun military expedition
armure noun armour, protective covering
array noun 1. equipment; 2. dress, clothes
arrayed verb, pst. prtcpl. prepared, adorned
arreest noun restaint, seizure
artelries noun artillery, shooting equipment, cannons and catapults
assent noun consent, will, opinion
assente verb, prsnt. consent, agree
assented verb, pst. consented, agreed
assise noun the court of assizes
assured adj. confident; verb entrusted
asterte, asterted verb escaped
astoned verb amazed, astonished, surprised
aswowne adv. in a swoon, aswooned
atemprely, attemprely adv. moderately
at erst prep. for the first time
atones adv. 1. at once, immediately; 2. at one time, at the same time
atthamaunt, adamant noun adamant, a very hard kind of stone
auctorite, auctoritee noun 1. written authority, an authoritative statement or passage; 2. legal power or authority
avauntyng verbal noun boasting
Ave Marie (Latin) Hail Mary (first words of a Latin prayer)
avoutrye, avowtrie, avowtrye noun adultery
avys noun 1. discussion; 2. opinion
avyseth verb, 3rd prs. sg. look at, consider
bacheler, bachiler noun young man, unmarried man, young knight
bachilrie noun knighthood, knightly conduct
Bacus noun Bacchus, god of wine
baillif, bailly noun bailiff, an agent for a lord's estate who administered justice and collected revenues
Barbre nacioun noun pagan world
bargaynes noun bargains, buying and selling
baronage noun nobles, nobility
bauderye, bawderye noun pandering
bawdryk noun baldric, shoulder strap, a belt for a sword, bugle, etc. hung from the shoulder across the body to the opposite hip
beddes heed noun head of the bed
bede noun bead, a small usually rounded and perforated piece of glass or stone for threading with others to make jewellery
bedrede adj. 1. bedridden, confined to bed by infirmity; 2. decrepit
benefice noun ecclesiastical living
benigne, benygne, benyngne adj. 1. kind, good; 2. gracious
benignely, benygnely adv. graciously
benignytee, benygnytee, benyngnytee, noun goodness
benyson, benysoun noun blessing
bibledde adj. covered with blood
bifel, bifil verb (it) happened
bigileres noun liars, deceivers
bigile, bigyle verb, prsnt. deceive
biheeste, biheete, biheste noun promise
bihight, bihighte verb promised
bille noun petition, formal charge
bireve verb remove, deprive, take away
bireveth verb removes, deprives, takes away from
bisette verb, pst. applied, used
bitrayseth verb, 3rd prs. prsnt. betrays
bitwix, bitwixe, bitwixen, bitwyxen prep. between
biwaille, biwayle verb bewail, lament
biwrey, biwreye verb, prsnt. 1. reveal, expose; 2. betray
bokeler, bokeleer noun buckler, small shield
bond noun bond, knowledge of practitioner
bootelees adv. without remedy, cureless
bord bigonne sat in the place of honor
born to blisse carried to heaven
bour noun, sg. inner room, bedroom, private room for lord and lady
brawen, brawn noun, sg. 1. muscle; 2. meat
brenneth verb, 3rd prs. sg. burns
bretful, bret-ful adj. brimful
bretherhed noun guild, fraternity
briberyes noun ways of stealing money
brotel adj. insecure, unstable, brittle
brotelnesse, brotilnesse noun insecurity, unstability, fickleness
brydel noun bridle, the harness fitted about a horse's head
bulles noun papal bulls, edict, indulgences
burel adj. uneducated, unlearned
burghes noun, pl. boroughs, a town (as distinct from a city) with a corporation and priviliges granted by a royal charter
burdoun noun bass (part in a song)
burgeys noun citizen of a city (tradesman)
buryeles noun burial places (the catacombs)
byjaped verb tricked, made a fool of
by oon assent unanimously, all together
bynymeth verb, prsnt, 3rd prs. sg. takes away
calcenyng noun calcination, reducing to powder by heat
calculinge noun astrological computation
capul noun nag, a small riding-horse or pony
carryk noun barge, large sailing ship
caste verb, pst. sg. thought, planned
catel noun property, possessions
caytyf, kaityf, kaytyf noun wretch
caytyves noun wretched creatures
celle noun a subordinate monastery
chaar noun chariot, a stately or triumphal vehicle
chaffare noun merchandise, goods
chanon, chanoun noun canon, a member of the clergy serving in a cathedral or collegiate church
chapeleyne noun a nun serving as a secretary to a prioress
chastitee noun chastity, abstinence from sexual intercourse
chaunterie noun appointment as a chantry priest, an endowment for a priest to serve in a chapel for the soul of its patron
chaunteth verb, prsnt. sg. sings
cheere, chere noun 1. manners, behaviour; 2. facial expression, look
chevyssaunce noun financial arrangements
chirche dore noun door of the church
chivalrie, chivalry, chivalrye noun 1. nobility; 2. knights
ciser noun strong alcoholic drink
citole noun a stringed instrument
clad verb, pst. prtcpl. clothed
clepe verb call; clepeth 3rd prs. prsnt. sg. calls; cleped (ycleped) pst. called
clergeon noun choir-boy, schoolboy
clerk noun 1. university student; 2. scholar
clennesse noun purity, chastity
cokewold noun cuckold, husband of an adulteress
cokkow noun cuckoo, a kind of bird
col-fox noun fox with black-tipped tail, feet and ears
collacioun noun colloquy, discussion, conference
colt noun a young uncastrated male horse usually less than four years old
commune verb communicate, have conversation with
commune profit noun common interest
complexioun noun temperament, balance of the body's fluids
concupiscence noun sexual desire, lust
conscience noun moral sense and solicitude
conseil noun 1. opinion, decision, advice; 2. council, adviser
conseille verb tell, instruct, teach, advise
conseillyng verbal noun advice
constellacion noun configuration of the celestial bodies
countour (contour) noun auditor
contree noun district, country
contricioun noun the state of being contrite, affected by guilt, feeling remorse or penitence
convertible adj. interchangeable
corage noun, sg. 1. heart, feeling; 2. (sexual) desire, ardor
corages noun, pl. spirits, feelings
corn noun grain, any cereal before or after harvesting
cote noun 1. dungeon, cell; 2. cottage, small farm
courtepy noun short coat, jacket
coveitise, coveityse noun avarice, greed, covetousness
covenant noun agreement, contract
covent noun convent, a religious community, a group of friars or monks
coverchief noun, sg. head-dress
coverchiefs noun, pl. head-dresses
cow noun chough, a crow-like bird
craft noun profession, occupation, trade
creaunce verb obtain credit, borrow money
creaunceth verb obtains credit
cristal stones noun glass cases
croppes noun shoots, new leaves
crosselet noun crucible, a vessel made of a refractory substance used for melting materials at high temperatures
curaat, curat noun parish priest
cure noun charge, jurisdiction
curious adj. skillful, skillfully made
cursyng noun archdeacon's curse, excommunication
curteisie noun gracious and considerate conduct, refinement of manners
daliance, daliaunce noun 1. flirtation; 2. sociability, gossip
dangerous, daungerous adj.domineering, arrogant, fastidious, hard to please, grudging
dayesye noun daisy, a small plant bearing flowers each with a yellow disc and white rays, usually found in meadows
day of doom noun Judgement Day, the day on which the Last Judgement is believed to take place
debonaire adj. modest, gracious
debonairetee noun graciousness, meekness
debonairely, debonairly adv. gently, modestly, graciously
decree noun text of ecclesiastical law
defaute noun 1. flaw; 2. lack, absence; 3. wickedness
deffended verb forbad, forbidden
delit, delyt noun, sg. delight, pleasure, desire
deliciously adv. luxuriously, voluptuously
delyvere adj. agile, active, nimble
deme verb, 1st prs. sg. prst judge
demeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. prst. judge
depeint verb, pst. prtcpl. stained
depeynted verb, pst. prtcpl. painted
descensories noun, pl. retorts, flasks used for distillation
despit, despyt noun scorn, disdain, insult, contempt
desport, disport noun amusement, pleasure
destreyneth verb afflicts, distresses, compels
devyse verb 1. tell, narrate; 2. look upon, inspect; 3. instruct, command
deynous adj. haughty, arrogant
deyntee noun, sg. delicacy; adj. fine, valuable, excellent
deyntees noun, pl. fine food and drinks, delicacies
deys noun dais (stage, raised platform)
dide execucioun carried out the law
diffye verb repudiate, despise
dight verb, pst. 1. prepared; 2. had sexual intercourse with
digne of reverence adj. worthy of respect
dilatacioun noun elaboration, increase of words
diligence noun effort, diligence
disclaundre noun slander, defame
disfigure noun deformity, disfigurement
disese noun discomfort, distress
disposed verb determined, decided
dissevere verb separate, be separated
doomes noun, pl. judgements, decisions
doost verb, 2nd prs. sg. prsnt. do
dooth verb, 3rd prs. sg. prsnt. do, does
dotage noun feeble-minded senility
dowaire noun dowry, property or money brought by a bride to her husband
drasty adj. crappy, lousy, worthless
drawen to memorie verb be remembered
draweth cut draw lots (straws)
drede noun fear; drede, dreden verb be afraid
dredelees adj. 1. fearless; 2. doubtless
dredeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. is afraid, fears
drogges noun, pl. drugs, medicins
dronkelewe adj. habitually drunk, addicted to drink alcohol
dwale noun sleeping potion, drug
eeris, eres, erys noun, pl. ears
eft adv. 1. again; 2. immediately
eftsoone, eft soone, eft-soone, eftsoones, eft-soones adv. 1. again, once more; 2. immediately, very soon, right now
eggyng verb incitement, urging
egle noun eagle, a large bird of prey
emprented verb imprinted, made an impression of
emprentyng noun imprint, impression
emprise noun enterprise, chivalric exploit
encombred verb, pst. prtcpl. 1. stuck; 2. burdened, encumbered (by)
endite, enditen, endyte verb write, describe in writing
engendrure noun procreation, offspring
enoynt adj. anointed, rubbed with oil
ensample noun 1. example, model; 2. illustrative story
entende verb endeavour, strive
entente noun 1. intention, will; 2. plan
ententif adj. attentive, diligent, eager
entremetteth verb, 3rd prs. sg. interferes, meddles
envyned adj. stocked with wine
er adv. before, formerly; conj. before; prep. before
ercedekenes curs noun excommunication, the official exclusion of a person from participation in the sacraments or formal communion with the Church
erst adj. superlative before, earlier, previously
eschawfed verb, pst. prtcpl. heated
eschawfyne verbal noun heating
eschewing, eschewynge noun avoidance
eschewe, eschue, eschuwe verb escape, avoid
eschueth verb, 3rd prs. sg. escapes, avoids
ese noun pleasure, refreshment
esement noun redress, compensation
esily adv. comfortably, easily, gently
espiaille noun (network of) spies
estaat, estat noun 1. state, condition; 2. rank, social standing
evene adj.1. equal; 2. impartial
ever lenger the wers increasingly worse
everich, everych adj. every (one), each (one)
everichon, everichoon, everychon pro. everyone
everideel, everydeel, every deel adv. completely, in all respects, in every detail; noun everything
expounde, expounden verb interpret, explain
fair adj. pleasing, handsome, fine, morally good
fairnesse noun graciousness, kindness
faldyng noun coarse woolen coat
famyne noun famine, shortage of food
faucon noun falcon, a kind of bird of prey
Fairye, Fayerye noun fairyland
fayerye adj. something bewitching, delightful
fayn adj. glad, happy, pleased; adv. gladly, happily
feendes, feends noun, pl demons, devils
fee symple noun unrestricted possession, absolute possession
feffed verb enfeoffed, endowed with
fermerer noun friar in charge of the infirmary
ferne halwes noun distant shrines
ferreste adv. superlative farthest, those farthest away
ferthyng noun 1. speck, spot; 2. farthing (a coin worth one-fourth of a penny), something of little value
fettres noun fetters, iron foot chains
figure noun methaphor (figure of speech)
fil in office verb was employed, got employment
flee verb 1. fly; 2. run away, escape
fleemeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. drives out
fleeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. flies
flemed wrecche noun banished exile
fletynge verb, prs. prtcpl. floating
floytynge verb, prs. prtcpl. whistling
fnorteth verb, 3rd prs. sg. snorts
fodder noun dried hay or straw for cattle or horses
fordoon verb 1. destroy, ruin; 2. violate
fornicacioun noun fornication, sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other
forpyned goost noun tormented spririt
forster noun forester, game-keeper
fortunen the ascendent calculate the planetary position
forward, foreward noun agreement, promise
foryeveth verb, 3rd prs. sg. forgives
fostred verb brought up, nourished, educated
foul adj. 1. ugly, dirty; 2. vicious, evil
foul affray noun terrible assault
frankeleyn noun landowner of the gentry class
fraternitee noun religious guild, fraternity
fredom noun liberality, generosity of spirit
freendes noun, pl. 1. friends; 2. husbands
frenges noun ornamental fringes
frere noun friar, a member of any certain religious orders of men
frutesteres noun girls who sell fruit
fruyt noun essence, essential part
ful adv. 1. very; 2. fully, completely
ful faste very close, very fast
ful semely, semyly in a very seemly manner
fundement noun, sg. 1. foundation; 2. anus
gabbe verb lie, chatter foolishly
galyngale noun sweet spice prepared from the root of sweet cyperus
ganeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. yawns
gan hye verb hastened, hurried
gastly adj. horrible, terrifying
gentil adj. 1. noble (in character); 2. refined, excellent
gentils noun gentlefolk, gentle people
gentillesse noun nobility, excellence
gerdon, gerdoun noun & verb reward, requital
girles noun young women, young people
giterne, gyterne noun stringed instrument
glose noun, sg. 1. flatter; 2. gloss, interpretation; verb flatter
gnat noun gnat, mosquito, flying stinging insect
gooth verb, 3rd prs. sg. goes; imperative go
governance, governaunce noun 1. behaviour; 2. control, management
graunges noun outlying farms, granges
graunt mercy interj. thank you
greet desport excellent deportment
greet estaat excellent condition
grifphon noun griffin, a mythical creature with a lion's body and an eagle's head and wings
grucche, grucchen verb complain
gruccheth verb, 3rd prs. sg. complains
grucchyng, gruchchyng verbal noun complaining
gye verb 1. lead, guide, govern; 2. preserve, protect
gypon, gypoun noun tunic, surcoat worn over the armor
haberdasshere noun a dealer in hats or small wares
habergeon, haubergeoun noun coat of chain-mail
haliday, halyday noun religious festival, holy day
halwed verb hallowed, consecrated
halwes noun, pl. apostles, saints
hardinesse, hardynesse noun boldness, bravery
harlot noun rascal, buffoon, jester; servant
harlotrie, harlotrye noun ribaldry, harlotry, wickedness
harlotries noun scurrility, deeds of harlotry, obscenities
harm noun pity, suffering, misfortune
harneys noun armor, fighting equipment
hasardrie, hasardrye noun gambling
hastifliche adv. quickly, hastily
haubergeoun, habergeon noun coat of chain-mail
hawebake noun a poor meal (literally baked hawthorn berries)
heele, hele noun (good) health, well-being
heer, heeres, heeris, heris, herys noun hair
heeste noun, sg. 1. command; 2. promise, vow
heestes noun, pl. 1. commands; 2. promises, vows
heeth noun heath, an area of open uncultivated land with coarse grasses
hende adj. courteous, pleasant
herberwe noun inn, lodging; figuratively astrological house
herberwynge provide lodging, offer a sleeping place
herkne verb, prsnt. hear, listen to; herde verb. pst. heard
herkneth, herkeneth verb, 3rd prs. sg. hears, listens to; imperative listen
herknynge verb, verbal noun listening
heronsewes noun young herons (heron, a wading bird with a long neck, long legs, and a long, pointed bill)
hert noun stag, adult male deer
hertely adv. really, sincerely
hethenesse noun heathendom, the non-Christian world
hethyng noun contempt, mockery
hevenysshly adv. in a heavenly manner, like in heaven
heve of harre verb lift off its hinges
hevynesse noun 1. drowsiness; 2. sadness
hight, highte verb was called, was named
honeste cure noun sense of decency, care for decency, self-respect
honestee noun good manners, chastity, purity
hoor, hoore adj. white-haired, grey
hoote adv. passionately; adj. passionate, hot
hopur noun hopper, through which the grain passes into the mill
hostelrie, hostelrye noun inn, lodging
hostileer, hostiler noun innkeeper
housbondrye noun (domestic) economy
hym liste he preferred to, he chose to
hym was levere he would rather
hyndreste adj. superlative last
hyne noun farm worker, servant, hind
in a clause briefly, in a few words
in chyvachie on a cavalry expedition
in comune adj. generally, in general
incubus noun evil spirit that copulates with women in their sleep
infecte verb affect negatively, pollute
ire noun anger, irritability, the deadly sin of wrath
Jakke of Dovere noun a kind of pie
janglere noun chatterer, loud talker, teller of dirty stories
jangleresse noun chatterbox, female gossip
je vous dy (French) I tell you
Jewerye, Juerie noun Jewish quarter, ghetto
jubilee noun fiftieth anniversary
kaynard noun dotard, a person who is feeble-minded
kembd (ykembd) verb, pst. prtcpl. combed
kembeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. combs
kepe verb keep, take care after, preserve
kervere of ymages noun sculptor
keste, kist, kiste verb kissed
kithed verb, pst. prtcpl. shown
knave noun, sg. (male) servant
knaves noun, pl. (male) servants
knedyng-trogh noun kneading-trough, large trough for kneading dough
knoweleche, knoweliche noun acquaintance
konnyng, konnynge noun skill, understanding
kultour noun coulter, a vertical cutting blade fixed in front of a ploughshare
kymelyn noun tub used to brew beer
kyte noun kite, a predatory bird with a long, often forked tail
Lameth noun Lamech, the first bigamist according to the Bible
large adv. 1. freely, generously; 2. free-spending, extravagant
latoun noun a brass-like alloy
lecchour noun lecher, a lusty person
leek noun a vegetable with flat overlapping leaves forming an elongated cylindrical bulb
lemes noun, pl. 1. limbs; 2. flames
lemman noun sweetheart, lover, loved one
letteth verb, 3rd prs. sg. hinders
letuaries noun medical mixtures, electuaries
leveful adj. lawful, permissible
lewed man noun uneducated man, layman
lewednesse noun ignorance, uneducatedness
leyser noun 1. leisure; 2. opportunity
licenciat licensed to hear confessions
ligeance noun allegiance, obedience or loyalty owed to a nation, sovereign or cause
likerous adj. wanton, flirtatious, gluttonous
list, liste verb, prsnt. sg. please, pleases
litarge, lytarge noun lead monoxide
lodemenage noun skill in navigation
longen verb long (for), desire
loode-sterre noun North star, polar star; figuratively guiding star
looth adj. 1. displeasing; 2. reluctant, unwilling
loothly adv. loathsome, hideous
lordynges noun, pl. sirs, gentlemen, my lords
lusty adj. lively, pleasing, lusty
lustynesse noun delight, pleasure
lymytacioun noun territory, district
lymytour noun friar licensed (by his order) to beg in a specific district
magyk natureel noun natural science
maister strete noun main street
maistresse noun, sg. governess
maistresses noun, pl. governesses
maken stryf verb cause trouble, quarrel
mansioun noun dwelling place, domicile
marchal noun master of ceremonies
mare noun 1. the female of any equine animal, especially the horse; 2. (figuratively) homosexual
maugree his/hir heed against his/her will, despite his/her struggles
maunciple noun business agent, purchaser of provisions for an inn of court (temple)
mayde, mayden noun 1. virgin; 2. girl
maydenhed, maydenhede, maydenhod noun virginity
may nat avaunce cannot be profitable
mede, meede noun meadow, a piece of grassland
meeltyd noun mealtime, lunch time
medlee adj. motley, parti-colored
medleth verb, 3rd prs.sg. meddles
membres noun, pl. sexual organs, private parts
merveillous adj. astonishing, marvelous
meschance, meschaunce noun misfortune
mescheef, meschief noun mischief, misfortune, adversity, trouble
mesuage noun messuage, a dwelling house with outbuildings and land assigned to its use
mesurable adj. moderate, temperate
meynee noun retinue, household
Minerva Roman goddess of wisdom
misericorde noun charity, mercy
moeble, moebles noun personal property
montance noun amount, size, value
moore part noun majority, greater part
mordrynge verbal noun murdering
mottelee noun parti-colored cloth
much and lite noun great and small, everyone
multiplicacioun noun transmutation
multiplie verb transmute (technical term for changing base metals into gold and silver)
murye note noun pleasant voice
muwe noun mew, bird cage, usually for hawks
mynstralcie noun musical instrument
myre noun 1. mire, a stretch of swampy or boggy ground; 2. mud, durt; in the mire in difficulties
mysbileeve noun skepticism, suspicion
mysboden verb, pst. prtcpl. injured
mysgovernaunce noun misconduct, misbehaviour
namo adj. no more, no others; adv. no more, never again
narwe adv. closely; adj. narrow, small
nathelees, natheles, natheless adv. nevertheless, none the less
nat worth an oystre worth nothing; in Chaucer's time, oysters were poor-people's food
nave noun hub, the central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle, and from which the spokes radiate
nedelees adv. needless, without purpose
nede, neede adv. necessary, necessarily
newefangel adj. fond of novelty
noon of hem none of them, nobody
noot verb do not know, does not know
nortelrie noun education, nurture
nosethirles, nose-thirles noun nostrils
not heed noun close-cropped head
nyce cas foolish case, business, story
nycetee noun simplicity, foolishness
niste, nyste verb (ne wiste) knew not, did not know
obeisance, obeysaunce, obeisaunce noun obedience
observance, observaunce noun duty
offended verb, pst. prtcpl. 1. injured, 2. insulted
office noun secular employment, function, work
oother adv. other; conj. either
open-ers noun fruit of the medlar, a tree of the rose family bearing small brown apple-like fruits which are eaten when decayed
ordinance, ordinaunce noun decree, order, arrangement, preparations
orison, orisoun noun, sg. prayer
orisons, orisouns noun, pl. prayers
orpyment noun arsenic trisulfide
oure aller cok rooster of us all (awakened us all)
outridere noun a monk who rode out to supervise the estates of a monastry
overmacche verb defeat, outmatch
paas adv. & noun footpace (the slowest gait of a horse), slowly
page noun 1. (male) servant; 2. boy
paire plates noun suit of plate armor
palfrey noun, sg. riding horse
palfreys noun, pl. riding horses
palmeres noun professional pilgrims who had been to the Holy Land
panade noun cutlass, a short sword with a slightly curved blade
paradys terrestre earthly paradise
paramour noun, sg. 1. mistress, concubine; 2. passion
paramours noun, pl. mistresses
paraventure, par aventure, peraventure, per aventure adv. 1. perhaps; 2. by chance
pardoner noun a seller of indulgences
pardoun noun 1. papal indulgences; 2. forgiveness
parfit, parfyt, perfit adj. perfect, complete
parfourne, perfourne verb perform, accomplish
parfourned verb celebrated, completed, accomplished
parissh clerk noun someone who assists the parish priest to perform services in church
Parvys noun the porch of St. Paul's Cathedral
patente noun letter of appointment from the king
penance, penaunce noun penance, suffering, distress
penyble adj. indefatigable, painstaking
per consequens adv. consequently
perdurable adj. eternal, everlasting
peril noun peril, serious and immediate danger
perree, perrye noun precious stones, jewellery
perseveraunce noun perseverance, the persistance to a purpose, idea, or task in spite of obstacles
person, persoun noun parson, parish priest
perspectives noun optical lenses
peynte verb, prsnt. 1. paint; 2. adorn; 3. disguise
peynted verb, pst. 1. painted; 2 adorned; 3. disguised
peyre of tables folding set of writing tablets
Phebus noun Phoebus Apollo, the sun
pile verb rob, take unlawfully from
plit noun (bad) condition, plight
plesance, plesaunce noun pleasure, delight
pleyn commissioun full jurisdiction
plighte noun pledge; verb pledged, promised
polax noun battle-axe, pole-axe
portreiture noun, sg. painting, picture
portreitures noun, pl. paintings, pictures
possessioners secular and monastic clergy living on endowments and gifts
pouche noun 1. purse; 2. pocket
Poules noun St. Paul's Cathedral
poure, povre adj. poor, impoverished
povereste adj. superlative poorest, most impoverished
poynaunt adj. spicy, piquant, piercing
poyntel noun stylus for wrting on a wax board or tablet
prechyng verbal noun preaching
preesseth verb, 3rd prs. sg. push
prelaat noun ecclesiastical dignitary
preyneth verb preens, make neat
prikasour noun horseman, hunter on horseback
priketh verb, 3rd prs. sg. pierces
privee, pryvee adj. secretive, discreet
privee (pryvee) and apert in private and in public
prively, pryvely adv. secretly, discreetly, stealthily
privetee, pryvetee noun secret(s), private place(s)
proces noun argument, case, discussion
prolixitee noun prolixity, lengthiness, tediousness
propre good noun own wealth/income
pryme noun around 09:00 A.M., the first hour
purged adj cleansed (by baptism)
purveiance, purveiaunce, purveyaunce noun providence, foresight
pye noun magpie, a kind of bird (Pica pica)
pykepurs noun thief, pick-purs
pynchen at verb find fault with
quake verb, prsnt tremble; quaketh 3rd prs. sg. trembles
Questio quid iuris (Latin) The question is, what law applies
queynte adj. pleasing, elegant; noun pleasing thing, sexual favours
queynte adj. clever, ingenious
queynte verb was extinguished, went out
quike, quyk, quyke adj. alive, lively, vivid
quyked verb revived, rekindled
quykkest strete busiest street
Radix malorum est Cupiditas (Latin) Greed is the root of all evil
rafte verb ravished, took away
rakelnesse noun rashness, haste
recchelees adj. careless, negligent, heedless of rules
reconyssaunce noun recognizance, formal pledge
rekene verb enumerate, calculate, consider, take account of, count
reprevable adj. reprehensible, blameworthy
repreeve, repreve noun reproof
resoun noun 1. remark, argument, opinion; 2. reason
resons noun, pl. remarks, opinions
resoun adj. reasonable, just; adv. reasonably
reve noun reeve, manager of an estate or farm
revelour noun rake, profligate, recklessly extravagant person
revelrye noun delight, pleasure
reverence noun dignity, respect
ribaudye noun coarse jesting, ribaldry
to riden out verb to go campaigning
rightwisnesse noun righteousness
riotoures noun, pl. profligates, debauchers
roialliche ybore adj. royally carried
route noun company, group of people
routhelees, routheless adj. ruthless, without compassion
rownynge verb, pst. prtcpl. whispering
rowteth verb, 3rd prs. sg. snors
rudeliche noun crudely, ignorantly
rymeyed adj. rhymed, versified
sadnesse noun seriousness, constancy
saleweth verb, 3rd prs. sg. greets
sapiences noun mental abilities
saufly adv. safely, confidently
sautrie, sawtrie noun psaltry (a harp-like instrument)
savour noun 1. smell, odor; 2. flavor
sawnyng, sangwyn adj. 1. red, ruddy; 2. florid, bright, ruddy
scole-matere noun subject for debate or study at universities
scoleye verb study, attend the schools of the university
scriptures noun books, writings
secree noun secret information; adjective private, discreet
seege noun siege, a military operation
See of Grece the eastern Mediterranean
Seint Julian patron saint of hospitality
Seinte Poules St. Paul's Cathedral (in London)
seke, seken verb 1. visit; 2. examine, look for
sely adj. innocent, hapless, ignorant, foolish, insignificant
sentence noun 1. meaning, saying; 2. decision, command
sergeant of the lawe noun a lawyer who belonged to the highest order in his profession (from this group of legal officers the judges of the King's courts were chosen)
sermonyng noun discourse, discussion
servysable adj. willing to serve, attentive
serye noun argument, chain of thoughts
sette his howve make a fool of him
seurete, seuretee noun pledge, promise
sexteyn noun sacristan, friar in charge of the liturgical vestments and vessels
sharpeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. sharpens
sheene, shene adj. bright, beautiful
sheere, shere noun scissors, pair of shears
shewe verb show, display, reveal
shoures noun, pl. rain showers, hardships
shoures soote sweet showers, rain
shrewe verb curse, beshrew; noun curse, cursed person
shrift, shrifte noun confession
sighte noun 1. foresight; 2. view; 3. the ability to see
Significavit noun order for imprisonment (the first word of a writ in which the imprisonment of an excommunicated person is ordered)
sikerly, sekirly adv. certainly, truly
sikernesse noun certainty, security
similitude noun complement, counterpart
slogardie, slogardye noun sluggishness, slothfulness, laziness
sleeth verb, 3rd prs. sg. kills, slays
smal noun 1. little, slender; 2. high (of voice)
smale tytheres noun those reluctant to pay full tithes
smoklees adj. naked (without a smock)
snybbed verb rebuked, reprimanded
sobrely adv. seriously, gravely
softe adv. 1. gently; 2. quietly; adj. 1. gentle; 2. quiet
sokene noun the exclusive right to grind grain in a particular area
sokyngly adv. gradually, step by step
solas noun pleasure, entertainment, (sexual) satisfaction
solempne adj. dignified, important
solempnely adv. ceremoniously, solemnly
solempnitee, solempnytee noun ceremony
Soler Halle noun the King's Hall, a college at Cambridge
somdel, somdeel adv. somewhat, partly
somnour, somonour noun a server of summonses for an ecclesiastical court
sondry adj. various, different
sondry folk noun various sorts of people
sondry londes noun various countries
sondry tonges noun various languages
sondry wise, sondry wyse noun various ways
soong, song verb, pst. sg. sang
soor, soore adv. sorely, bitterly; adj. painful, sore; noun misery, pain
soote adj. sweet, sweet-smelling
sooth, soothe, soth, sothe noun truth
soothfastnesse noun truthfulness
soothnesse noun truth, reality
sophyme noun sophism, plausible but faulty argument
soutere noun cobbler, a person that mends and repairs shoes
sovereyn adj. best, outstanding, most excellent
sovereyn pestilence noun ultimate wickedness
sovereyn prys noun outstanding reputation
sowne verb 1. imitate; 2. play, sound, resound
space noun 1. time; 2. opportunity
sparhauk, sperhauk noun sparrow hawk
sparynge noun frugality, moderation
spille verb destroy, put to death
spitously adv. 1. angrily, spitefully; 2. loudly
squaymous sqeamish, easily nauseated or disgusted
squier noun squire, a young knight in the service of another knight
stente verb, pst. sg. ceased, stopped
stere noun rudder, guide, steering wheel
sterelees adv. rudderless, disorientated
stille adv. silently, motionless
straunge strondes foreign shores
streite yteyd adj. tightly fastened
stremes noun, pl. 1. currents, 2. rays
stryvyng verbal noun strife, quarrelling
sturdy adj. cruel, harsh, strong
sturdinesse noun cruelty, harshness
stynt thy clappe shut your mouth, cease to speak
sublymyng verbal noun sublimating, purifying
substance, substaunce noun 1. majority, (essential) quality; 2. (fixed) income, possessions
subtiltee noun craftiness, trickery, subtlety
suffrance, suffraunce noun patience, forbearance
suretee noun security, certainty
surquidrye noun arrogance, pride
swich poraille such poor people
swynke, swynken verb, prsnt. work, toil
swynkere noun labourer, worker
symple and coy adj. unaffected and quiet, modest
synnes sevene seven deadly sins (Avarice, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Sloth, Wrath)
table dormant noun table fixed in its place, as distinct from one taken down between meals
tapycer noun tapestry-maker, weaver of tapestries, rugs, etc.
testif adj. head-strong, testy
thikke knarre noun stout fellow
thilke demonstr. adj. that (same)
thonder-clappes noun, pl. thunderstrokes
thonder-dent, thonder-dynt noun thunderstroke
thraldom noun slavery, servitude, bondage
threpe verb assert, affirm positively
thrift noun prosperity, welfare
thrifty adj. suitable, servicable, proper
thriftily adv. carefully, properly
throte-bolle noun Adam's apple
thurgh prep. 1. through; 2. because of
thurgh-girt adj. pierced through
thynges noun duties, rites, business
tikel adj. ticklish, unreliable, unstable
tithe noun a 10th part of one's income paid for the support of a church
tobreketh verb, 3rd prs. sg. shatters, breaks in pieces
tobreste verb shatter, break in pieces
tobrosten verb shattered, broken in pieces
tombesteres noun, p. dancing girls
torace verb, prsnt. sg. tear to pieces
torente verb, pst. sg. tore to pieces
toute noun rump, human buttocks
travaillynge verbal noun in labor
tregetoures noun illusionists, jugglers
trentals thirty requiem Masses (religious songs) sung for soul in Purgatory
tretis, tretys noun treaty, negotiation
trewe noun truce, a temporary agreement to cease hostilities
trouthe noun 1. fidelity, loyalty; 2. pledge, promise
twynne, twynnen verb, prsnt. depart, separate
tymber noun wood (for making things)
undertake verb affirm, declare
undigne adj. unsuitable, unworthy
unkonnynge noun lack of skill, ignorance; adj. unskillful, ignorant
unkouth adj. exotic, rare, unfamiliar
unlyklinesse noun unsuitability
unnethe, unnethes adv hardly, with difficulty
untrewe adj. 1. inaccurately; 2. unfaithful
unwemmed adj. unblemished, undefiled
unwist adj. uninformed, unknown
unyolden verbal noun unyielding
upon lond adj. in the countryside
vapour noun emanation, influence
vavasour noun feudal landholder, landowner
venial, venyal adj. pardonable, capable of being excused or forgiven
vernage noun a white Italian wine (vernaccia)
vernycle noun miniature reproduction of St. Veronica's sacred cloth, bearing the imprint of Jesus' features
veyne noun vein (of the plant)
veyn adj. foolish, wrong, idle
veyn ymaginacioun noun wrong conception, idle fancy
vigilies noun, pl. vigils, feasts/services held on the eve of a religious festival
vileynye noun 1. evil, rudeness, shame, dishonor; 2. injury
vileynsly adv. rudely, shamefully
virytrate noun hag, ugly old woman
vitaille noun victuals, provisions, stock of food
vitaillier noun victualler, seller of food
vouche-sauf, vouche sauf verb agree, grant
voided, voyded, yvoyded verb removed
voyden verb get rid of, remove
voys noun 1. opinion; 2. report
wafereres noun, pl. sellers of wafer-cakes
wantowne adj. pleasure-loving, jovial
wardeyn noun 1. master of the college; 2. guard, guardian
warisshynge noun cure, healing
wastel-breed noun expensive fine white bread
waymentinge, waymentynge noun lamentation
wedde verb, prsnt. marry; pst. (y)wedded married
wele noun happiness, prosperity
wemmelees adj. spotless, without blemish
wenche noun 1. girl; 2. maid, female servant; 3. lower class woman
werreye verb, prsnt. wage war on
werreyed verb, pst. waged war on
werte noun wart, a small benign growth on the skin, usually hard and rounded, caused by a virus-induced abnormal growth of skin cells and thickening of the epidermis
wexe verb, prsnt. become, grow, increase, breed
wexeth verb, prsnt. becomes, grows, increases, breeds
weyve verb turn aside, neglect
wezele noun weasel, a small brown carnivorous mammal
whelkes noun pimples, pustules
wight, wyght noun person, creature, being
wiste verb, pst. sg. knew; wist pst. prtcpl. known
wit noun intelligence, mind, judgement
withalle adv. indeed, moreover
withholde verb forced to remain
wlatsom adj. disgusting, loathsome
wo noun woe, regret, sorrow, pain
wolde verb, pst.sg. intended to, desired; wolden verb, pst.pl. intended to, desired
woost verb, 2nd pers. prsnt. sg. know
woot verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows
worthy adj. respectable, eminent
worthynesse noun respectability, dignity, eminence
worshipe noun honour, good reputation
wrestling verbal noun wrestling
wraw adj. grumpy, ill-tempered, peevish
wrecchednesse noun misery, wretchedness
wreke, wreken verb 1. avenge, avenged; 2. revenge oneself
wyf noun, sg. 1. wife; 2. woman
wyflees adj. wifeless, without a wife, unmarried
wyves noun, pl. 1. wifes; 2. women
wympul noun wimple, a head dress that covers all but the face
ybete verb, pst. prtcpl. embroidered
yclawedverb lacerated, torn apart
ycleped (cleped) verb, pst. sg. called
ycorve, ycorven, ykorven verb slit, cut
ydelly adj. in vain, in idleness
ydelnesse noun idleness, sloth
yeerd, yerd noun enclosed garden
yelden verb 1. surrender; 2. pay
yeman noun yeoman, freeborn servant
yevest verb, 2nd prs. sg. give
yeveth verb, 3rd prs. sg. gives
yfostred verb brought up, raised
yiven verb, pst. prtcpl. given
ykembd (kembd) adj. & verb combed
ynogh, ynough adj. & noun enough
ynorissed, ynorisshed adj. bred, raised, educated
yshryve verb confessed, penitent, shriven
yvele apayd, apayed adj. displeased
Zephirus noun the west wind that blows in Spring