The Canterbury Tales: Words Between the Host and the Miller

Anna
This famous collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, depicts a group of pilgrims journeying to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a tale, showcasing a diverse range of characters and narratives that offer insights into medieval English society. Its significance lies in its portrayal of social commentary, religious themes, and the evolution of the English language, making it a cornerstone of English literature and a timeless work that continues to captivate readers centuries later. These were translated into Modern English by Nevill Coghill.
10 words 11 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. straddle
    sit or stand astride of
    The Miller, very drunk and rather pale,
    Was straddled on his horse half-on half-off
  2. doff
    remove
    And in no mood for manners or to doff
    His hood or hat, or wait on any man,
    But in a voice like Pilate’s he began
    To huff and swear.
  3. muddle
    mix up or confuse
    But first I’m bound
    To say I’m drunk, I know it by my sound.
    And if the words get muddled in my tale
    Just put it down to too much Southwark ale.
  4. slander
    attack the good name and reputation of someone
    The Reeve looked up and shouted, ‘Shut your trap!
    Give over with your drunken harlotry.
    It is a sin and foolishness,’ said he,
    ‘To slander any man or bring a scandal
    On wives in general. Why can’t you handle
    Some other tale? There’s other things beside.’
  5. cuckold
    a man whose wife committed adultery
    My dear old brother Oswald, such is life.
    A man’s no cuckold if he has no wife.
  6. virtuous
    morally excellent
    There’s many virtuous wives, all said and done,
    Ever a thousand good for one that’s bad
  7. churl
    a crude or uncouth person lacking culture or refinement
    The Miller had begun,
    He would not hold his peace for anyone,
    But told his churl’s tale his own way, I fear.
  8. refined
    cultivated and genteel
    And I regret I must repeat it here,
    And so I beg of all who are refined
    For God’s love not to think me ill-inclined
    Or evil in my purpose.
  9. profess
    state freely
    So if this tale had better not be heard,
    Just turn the page and choose another sort;
    You’ll find them here in plenty, long and short;
    Many historical, that will profess
    Morality, good breeding, saintliness.
  10. amiss
    in an improper or mistaken manner
    Do not blame me if you should choose amiss.
Created on Wed Mar 30 13:25:38 EDT 2022 (updated Tue May 14 12:49:54 EDT 2024)

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