Chapter V

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

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

anew

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

fully understood or grasped

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

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

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

separated into parts or pieces

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

divisible by two

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

move back and forth very rapidly

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

set up or found

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

used of especially merchandise brought from a foreign source

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

plural of “jest” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

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

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

not any; not one

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

the ability to think and act independently

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

literature in metrical form

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

have sovereign power

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

recurring again and again

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

the speech act of making something evident

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

precisely, exactly

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

plural of “romance” — a relationship between two lovers

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

(botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

the state of being covered with unclean things

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

plural of “story” — 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 same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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 As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The romances, as has been said, were far more French than English, and, even so, comparatively few of them show any flicker of humour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

in or at that place or location

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

Constituting number thirteen in a sequence.

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

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

From this reading CHAUCER'S HUMOUR Critics may be divided in opinion as to Chaucer's right to be called the Father of English poetry, but there can be no question that he is the first great English humorist.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

plural of “variation” — an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

plural of “version” — an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

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

From this reading Chaucer alone, showed that it was possible to see in them a revelation of human nature.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading As far back as Henry III's reign fabliaux had been imported from France, but they took no real root in English soil, and though their coarse jests and indecent situations were fully appreciated by thirteenth- and fourteenth-century readers, they never rose above the level of collections of "merrie tales" and made no pretensions to originality or literary style.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The same stories were repeated again and again, with slight variations, and are often to be found in Indian or Arabian versions as well as in French and English.