Canterbury Tales Prologue Vocab

Question 1

chivalry (n)

Answer 1

the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak

Question 2

prelate (n)

Answer 2

a bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary

Question 3

absolution (n)

Answer 3

formal release from guilt or punishment

Question 4

sanguine (adj)

Answer 4

eager hopefulness; confidently optimistic

Question 5

vassal (n)

Answer 5

person under the protection of a noble lord; one who has pledged allegiance to a medieval lord

Question 6

guild (n)

Answer 6

association of people with similar interests and pursuits

Question 7

burgess (n)

Answer 7

citizen representative

Question 8

auspicious (adj)

Answer 8

showing or suggesting the future success is likely

Question 9

pestilence (n)

Answer 9

plague; contagious epidemic disease

Question 10

prattle (v)

Answer 10

to chatter or babble

Question 11

benign (adj)

Answer 11

harmless; mild

Question 12

similitude (n)

Answer 12

a visible likeness

Question 13

benefice (n)

Answer 13

a feudal estate in lands

Question 14

victuals (n)

Answer 14

food; provisions

Question 15

arrears (n)

Answer 15

unpaid or overdue debt