Chapter IV

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

any thing at all

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

a town in Kent in southeastern England; site of the cathedral where Thomas a Becket was martyred in 1170; seat of the archbishop and primate of the Anglican Church

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

English poet remembered as author of the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400)

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

possessive form of “chaucer” — English poet remembered as author of the Canterbury Tales (1340-1400)

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

without doubt or question

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

suitable to or characteristic of drama

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

the act of giving

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

third-person singular of “inspire” — heighten or intensify

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

plural of “legend” — a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

make a map of; show or establish the features of details of

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

and nothing more

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

the ability to think and act independently

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

third-person singular of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

control and direct with or as if by reins

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading One only of Chaucer's earlier poems shows the true bent of his genius.

lacking dramatic force and quality

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

up to a particular time

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

a Caucasian

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The _Book of the Duchesse_ gives us a sort of map of the character of the good fair White: in his choice of qualities and method of expression Chaucer shows both observation and originality, but the plan of the poem precludes anything in the nature of dramatic self-revelation, and the whole description of Blanche is from the outside.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The _Parlement of Foules_ and the _Hous of Fame_ afford little scope for character-drawing, and though something more might be expected of the _Legend of Good Women_, as we have seen, the moral purpose which inspires it leads to perfunctory and undramatic treatment of the legends.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading The rough sketches which he afterwards worked up and used in the _Canterbury Tales_ had given some evidence of his keen interest in human nature, but not until we come to _Troilus and Criseyde_ do we find him giving full rein to his invention.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading CHAUCER'S CHARACTER-DRAWING Like every other young poet Chaucer had to learn his trade, and in nothing is the development of his genius more clearly to be traced than in his treatment of character.