Chapter III

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

how long something has existed

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

come to the boiling point and change from a liquid to vapor

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a port city in northwestern France (in Brittany); the chief naval station of France

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

cut into pieces

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a female human offspring

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

superlative of “fair” — free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

past form of “foster” — promote the growth of

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a family of languages of the Fulani of West Africa and used as a lingua franca in the sub-Saharan regions from Senegal to Chad; the best known of the West African languages

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the childhood of a girl

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

in a humble manner

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

not in action or at work

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

characteristic of maturity

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

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

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

many times at short intervals

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

comparative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

superlative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

any tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading But, in beauty of mind, Griselda was the fairest maiden under the sun.

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

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

precisely as stated

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

at the time that

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading Now, near the marquis’s palace, there was a village in which dwelt a poor man--poorer than the poorest of his neighbours.

which person or people

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading She had been brought up very humbly, and more often drank water than wine, and she worked so hard that she was never idle.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

plural of “wort” — usually used in combination: “liverwort”; “milkwort”; “whorlywort”

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

but in spite of that

From this reading But though this mayden tender were of age, Yet in the brest of her virginité breast, girlhood Ther was enclosed rype and sad corrage;[141] mature, serious And in gret reverence and charité love Hir olde pore fader fostered sche; A fewe scheep spynnyng on the feld sche kepte, field Sche nolde not ben ydel til sche slepte. would not be And when sche hom-ward com, sche wolde brynge came, bring Wortis or other herbis tymes ofte, worts The which sche schred and seth for her lyvynge, chop, boil, living And made hir bed ful hard, and nothing softe.

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

From this reading His name was Janicula, and he had a young daughter who was fair enough to see, called Griselda.