The Canterbury Tales - The Prologue

Vocabulary terms and their definitions extracted from the 'Prologue' of The Canterbury Tales.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a sacred place for religious devotion, exemplified by the journey to Canterbury in The Canterbury Tales.

Hostelry

An inn or a place of lodging, specifically the Tabard Inn where the pilgrims gather.

Chivalry

The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code; exemplified by the character of the Knight.

Squire

A young man who is in training to become a knight; often depicted as a lover and cadet.

Yeoman

A servant or attendant, especially to a knight; depicted as skilled in his craft.

Prioress

The head of a convent; the character in The Canterbury Tales tries to appear courtly and sophisticated.

Martyr

A person who is killed because of their religious beliefs; references to Saint Thomas à Becket.

Pardoner

A church official authorized to sell pardons for sins; a character known for his cunning ways in The Canterbury Tales.

Relics

Objects revered for their association with holy figures; used by the Pardoner to swindle money.

Courtliness

Polite, elegant manners; refined behavior, particularly associated with the Prioress.

Sergeant at the Law

A lawyer of notable renown in legal matters; characterized as wise yet seemingly busier than he actually is.

Franklin

An affluent landowner who lives for pleasure and embodies Epicurean values.

Plowman

A hardworking farmer who lives a life of peace and charity, and is the brother of the Parson.

Reeve

An estate manager known for his meticulous nature and cunning; keeps tight control over his master's estate.

Miller

A stout and brawny man who grinds grain, depicted as dishonest and boisterous.

Summoner

An official who summons sinners to church court; known for his corrupt and lecherous behavior.

Cleric

A scholar preparing for the priesthood who values knowledge over material wealth.

Friar

A member of a religious group who is expected to live in poverty; depicted as jolly and morally dubious.

Characterization

The method used to create and develop characters in a narrative; seen throughout the vivid descriptions in The Prologue.