The Canterbury Tales Vocabulary



This vocabulary follows the rules of any vocabulary assignment. The twenty words can be found throughout The Canterbury Tales, and their memorization and comprehension can help with an overall understanding of the text.

The Words
Sundry: various

Eminent: famous; outstanding

Motley: made up of many colors or varied elements

Sanguine: having a healthy, reddish complexion and a cheerful manner

Felicity: happiness; a source of happiness

Prevarication: the act of lying or avoiding the truth

Adversary: enemy; opponent

Solicitous: showing care or concern

Shire: a country or region in England

Encumber: to hold back; hinder; burden

Choleric: bad-tempered; easily made angry

Parley: a conference or discussion, usually of matters of dispute

Discreet: showing careful judgment in speech and action; prudent

Estimable: deserving of esteem; admirable

Disdainful: feeling or showing contempt; scornful

Prudent: cautious; careful

Reprove: to scold or correct, usually gently or out of kindness

Guile: cunning; deceit; slyness

Victuals: food

Reverence: profound honor and respect

Deftly: with skill

Parts of Speech
Nouns Verbs Adjectives Adverbs
 * Felicity
 * Prevarication
 * Adversary
 * Shire
 * Parley
 * Guile
 * Victuals
 * Reverence
 * Encumber
 * Reprove
 * Sundry
 * Eminent
 * Motley
 * Sanguine
 * Solicitous
 * Choleric
 * Discreet
 * Estimable
 * Disdainful
 * Prudent
 * Deftly