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The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems
The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems is here in full — 241 sentences across 49 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale
The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S
A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.
1.
Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems is here in full — 241 sentences across 49 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/48 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale
Line 2
The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S
Line 3
A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.
Line 4
1.
Line 5
Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.
/ˈmɑːdərn ˈskɑːlərz bɪˈliːv ðæt ˈtʃɔːsər wɑːz nɑːt ðə ˈɔːθər ʌv ðiːz ˈpoʊəmz/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Canon's noun US /ˈkænənz/

possessive form of “canon” — a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field of art or philosophy

Chaucer's noun US /ˈtʃɔːsərz/

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

Clerk's noun US /klɜːrks/

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

Franklin's noun US /ˈfræŋklənz/

possessive form of “franklin” — United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)

Law's noun US /lɔːz/

possessive form of “law” — the collection of rules imposed by authority

Monk's noun US /mʌŋks/

possessive form of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

Nun's noun US /nʌnz/

possessive form of “nun” — a woman religious

Yeoman's noun US /ˈjoʊmənz/

possessive form of “yeoman” — officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch

All words in this reading · 87

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

ASSEMBLYnounUS /əˈsembli/

a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

BnounUS /biː/

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

Bath's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

CnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

Canon'snounUS /ˈkænənz/

possessive form of “canon” — a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field of art or philosophy

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

CanterburynounUS /ˈkæntərberi/

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 Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

ChaucernounUS /ˈtʃɔːsər/

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Chaucer'snounUS /ˈtʃɔːsərz/

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Chauceres

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Clerk'snounUS /klɜːrks/

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Cook'snounUS /kʊks/

possessive form of “cook” — someone who cooks food

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

COURTnounUS /kɔːrt/

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

CRESSIDA

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

CUCKOOnounUS /ˈkʌkuː/

a man who is a stupid incompetent fool

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

DnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/

possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

DREAMnounUS /driːm/

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

EditedadjectiveUS /ˈedətəd/

improved or corrected by critical editing

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

FAMEnounUS /feɪm/

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

FLOWERnounUS /ˈflaʊər/

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

FOWLS

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Franklin'snounUS /ˈfræŋklənz/

possessive form of “franklin” — United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (born in 1915)

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Friar's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

GeneraladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Geoffrey

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

GOODadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

HOUSEnounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Knight'snounUS /naɪts/

possessive form of “knight” — originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Laing

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Law'snounUS /lɔːz/

possessive form of “law” — the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

LEAFnounUS /liːf/

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

LEGENDnounUS /ˈledʒənd/

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

LIFEnounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

LOVEnounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

MannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Manciple's

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Melibœus

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Merchant'snounUS /ˈmɜːrtʃənts/

possessive form of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Miller'snounUS /ˈmɪlərz/

possessive form of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

MISCELLANEOUSadjectiveUS /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

ModernadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

Monk'snounUS /mʌŋks/

possessive form of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

NIGHTINGALEnounUS /ˈnaɪtɪŋɡeɪl/

European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

NotenounUS /noʊt/

a brief written record

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

Nun'snounUS /nʌnz/

possessive form of “nun” — a woman religious

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

OtheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Pardoner's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Parson's

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

PerusalnounUS /pərˈuːzəl/

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

PoemsnounUS /ˈpoʊəmz/

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

PopularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Preces

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

PREFACEnounUS /ˈprefəs/

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Priest'snounUS /priːsts/

possessive form of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Prioress's

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

ProloguenounUS /ˈproʊlɑːɡ/

an introduction to a play

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Purves

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Reeve's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

scholarsnounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/

plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

SecondnounUS /ˈsekənd/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Shipman's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

SirnounUS /sɜːr/

term of address for a man

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Sompnour's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

Squire's

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

TalenounUS /teɪl/

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 Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

TalesnounUS /teɪlz/

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 Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

Thopas

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Transcriber's

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

From this reading A.B.C. MISCELLANEOUS POEMS Transcriber’s Note.

TROILUS

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Modern scholars believe that Chaucer was not the author of these poems.

WifenounUS /waɪf/

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The Canterbury Tales and Other Poems of Geoffrey Chaucer Edited for Popular Perusal by D. Laing Purves PREFACE LIFE OF CHAUCER THE CANTERBURY TALES The General Prologue The Knight’s Tale The Miller’s tale The Reeve’s Tale The Cook’s Tale The Man of Law’s Tale The Wife of Bath’s Tale The Friar’s Tale The Sompnour’s Tale The Clerk’s Tale The Merchant’s Tale The Squire’s Tale The Franklin’s Tale The Doctor’s Tale The Pardoner’s Tale The Shipman’s Tale

WOMENnounUS /ˈwɪmən/

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

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Yeoman'snounUS /ˈjoʊmənz/

possessive form of “yeoman” — officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch

From this reading The Prioress’s Tale Chaucer’s Tale of Sir Thopas Chaucer’s Tale of Melibœus The Monk’s Tale The Nun’s Priest’s Tale The Second Nun’s Tale The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale The Manciple’s Tale The Parson’s Tale Preces de Chauceres THE COURT OF LOVE <1> THE CUCKOO AND THE NIGHTINGALE <1> THE ASSEMBLY OF FOWLS THE FLOWER AND THE LEAF <1> THE HOUSE OF FAME TROILUS AND CRESSIDA CHAUCER’S DREAM <1> THE PROLOGUE TO THE LEGEND OF GOOD WOMEN CHAUCER’S

Chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by Geoffrey Chaucer holds 241 sentences, grouped into 49 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems contain?

Chapter 1 holds 241 sentences of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems, unabridged, divided into 49 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by Geoffrey Chaucer exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 241 sentences, grouped into 49 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems?

Work through the 49 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 49 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems

Common questions about reading The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by Geoffrey Chaucer on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems?

Yes. All 9561 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2383 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2383, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1913 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems section by section

How to work through The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Canterbury
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Tales
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Other
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Poems
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.