English Vocabulary: Medieval Terms, Emotions, and Descriptive Words

disdainment

a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn

boorish

implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable

assize

a trial session, civil or criminal, held periodically in specific locations in England, usually by a judge of a superior court

fustian

a class of cotton fabrics usually having a pile face and twill weave

preferment

advancement

yeoman

an attendant or officer in a royal or noble household

motley

multicolored

uncloistered

released from confinement

gaudies

the larger beads in a set of prayer beades

well shriven

completely forgiven through the rite of confession

palfrey

saddle horse

sanguine

cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident

carbuncles

big pimples, considered a sign of lechery and drunkenness

prioress

a woman holding a position corresponding to that of a prior, sometimes ranking next below an abbess

varlet

a page who serves a knight or an attendant or servant

hosterly

an inn or hotel

entreaty

earnest request or petition; supplication

prevarication

to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression: lie

solicitous

anxious or concerned or careful or particular

estimable

worthy of esteem; deserving respect or adminration