The Merry Wives of Windsor

This is an alphabetical listing of all the glossary items that appear in this play.
We have left in repeated instances, so that is it possible to see how often a particular item appears in a play.

Alphabetical headword definitions for The Merry Wives of Windsor

about (adv.) 1 about your business, into action

about (adv.) 2 in the process of planning, up to

about (adv.) 3 round, in circumference

above (adv.) 1 upstairs

absolute (adj.) 1 perfect, complete, incomparable

abstract (n.) 2 list, register, inventory

abuse (n.) 1 deception, hoax, fraud

abuse (v.) 2 misuse, maltreat, treat badly, wrong

accidence (n.) inflections of Latin grammar

accoutrement (n.) formal embellishment, special trappings

acquit (adj.) rid, free, relieved

act (v.) 3 commit adultery, be promiscuous

Actaeon (n.) cuckold

action (n.) 7 performance, exercises, acts

action (n.) 8 movement, demeanour, gesture

addition (n.) 1 title, name

address (v.) 3 direct, apply, turn

adhere (v.) 1 agree, suit, fit the circumstances

admirable (adj.) wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary

admittance (n.) 1 fashion, acceptance, vogue

admittance (n.) 2 entry into society, social presence, admissibility

advance (v.) 2 display, present, promote

advantage (n.) 1 right moment, favourable opportunity

advantage (n.) 3 benefit, gain, advancement, profit

adversary (n.) intentional substitute for ‘emissary’

advise, avise (v.) 2 warn, counsel, caution

advise, avise (v.) 3 inform, be aware, apprise

afar off (adv.) indirectly, in a roundabout way

afeard (adj.) afraid, frightened, scared

affect (v.) 1 incline to, like, favour, be drawn to

affect (v.) 2 love, like, be fond of

affected (adj.) 1 disposed, inclined, minded

affecting (adj.) affected, full of mannerism

affection (n.) 4 love, devotion

affection (v.) have affection for, love

afterward (adv.) afterwards

aggravate (v.) 1 add weight to, magnify, increase

aim, cry [archery] show applause, shout approval [of]

alarm, alarum, 'larm, 'larum (n.) 4 alarm, agitation, excited feeling

allicholy, allycholly (adj./n.) malapropism for ‘melancholy’

alligant (adj.) malapropism for ‘elegant’ or ‘eloquent’

allow (v.) 3 acknowledge, grant, admit

altogether (adv.) entirely, wholly, exclusively

amaze (v.) 1 confuse, perplex, bewilder

amaze (v.) 2 alarm, dismay, scare

amazed (adj.) dumbfounded, stunned, thunderstruck, overwhelmed

ameer (n.) [jocular address] emir [hereditary Arab ruler]

amiable (adj.) 1 amorous, loving, tender

angel (n.) 3 gold coin [with the angel Michael depicted]

anon (adv.) 1 soon, shortly, presently

answer (v.) 3 satisfy, discharge, requite

answer (v.) 13 return, respond to, requite

anthropophaginian (n.) man-eater, cannibal

apparel (n.) clothes, clothing, dress

apply (v.) 1 conform, bend, adapt

appoint (v.) 2 grant, provide, assign

appoint (v.) 5 agree, arrange, make an appointment

appoint (v.) 7 direct, order, instruct

apprehend (v.) 1 seize, arrest, lay hold of

aqua-vitae (n.) spirits, alcohol, strong drink, brandy

argument (n.) 6 proof, evidence, demonstration

armigero (n.) esquire [entitled to bear heraldic arms]

arras (n.) tapestry hanging

arrest (v.) 1 impound, confiscate, appropriate

art (n.) 1 knowledge, learning, scholarship, science

article (n.) 4 character, nature, designation

aspire (v.) 1 ascend, rise up, climb [to]

assay (v.) 4 make advances to, accost, address proposals to

atonement (n.) reconciliation, appeasement, harmony

attempt (v.) 3 tempt, persuade, win over

attend (v.) 1 await, wait for, expect

attend (v.) 2 serve, follow, wait [on/upon]

attend (v.) 8 see to, look after, apply oneself to

authentic (adj.) 1 respectable, entitled to esteem

avaunt (int.) begone, go away, be off

avouch (v.) 1 declare, assert, affirm

balm (n.) 3 aromatic plant, fragrant herb

bar (n.) 3 objection, impediment

barrow (n.) barrowful, cartload

base (adj.) 1 dishonourable, low, unworthy

base (adj.) 2 low-born, lowly, plebeian, of lower rank

baseness (n.) 3 cowardice, degenerateness, degradation

beam (n.) 1 wooden roller in a loom

beating (adj.) battering, thumping, blow-by-blow

become (v.) 1 be fitting, befit, be appropriate to

become (v.) 3 put a good front on, give a pleasing appearance to

become (v.) 4 bear, handle, present

beguile (v.) 1 cheat, deceive, trick

beholding (adj.) beholden, obliged, indebted

belike (adv.) probably, presumably, perhaps, so it seems

bell-wether (n.) leading sheep of a flock [wearing a bell]; cuckold [of a ram, because horned]

bestow (v.) 4 accommodate, lodge, quarter

bestow (v.) 6 stow away, dispose of

bethink (v.), past form bethought 4 devise, plan, think up

betray (v.) 1 deceive, seduce, mislead

betray (v.) 3 give up, expose, lay open [especially: to punishment]

bilbo (n.) sword [from Bilbao, noted for its flexibility]

bill (n.) 6 bill of exchange, money order

birding (n.) hunting small birds

blast (v.) 1 blight, wither, destroy

blazon (n.) 1 armorial bearing, banner showing a coat-of-arms

bloody (adj.) 6 in the blood, in the veins

board (v.) 1 accost, address, approach, tackle

Bohemian-Tartar (n.) barbarian, savage beast

bold, be / make presume, venture, take the liberty

bolt (n.) 1 [short and thick, crossbow] arrow

book (n.) 3 Bible, prayer-book

bound (adj.) 1 obliged, indebted, under an obligation

brabble (n.) 2 quibbling, nit-picking, noisy disputing

break (v.) 6 break one's promise, not keep one's word

break (v.) 7 interrupt, break in on, cut in on

break (v.) 8 crack, split, beat

breathe (v.) 1 speak, utter, talk

breech (v.) 1 flog, whip on the behind

breed-bate (n.) trouble-maker, one who makes mischief

brewage (n.) [drink] brew, concoction, mixture

brew-house (n.) outhouse used for brewing liquor

bribed (adj.) stolen, thieved, poached

brief (n.) 1 summary, short account

bring (v.) 1 accompany, conduct, escort

brow (n.) 4 forehead [often plural, referring to the two prominences of the forehead]

buck (n.) laundry, quantity of soiled clothes

buck-basket (n.) basket for dirty laundry

bucking (n.) washing, laundry

buck-washing (n.) process of washing very dirty clothing in an alkaline mix [buck]

bully (n./adj.) [especially as a warm form of address] fine fellow, good friend

bully rook (n.) merry comrade, good mate, old rogue

burn (v.) 4 waste, fritter away

burnt (adj.) mulled, heated

buttons, in one's [unclear meaning] very plain, easy to see

by and by (adv.) 1 immediately, straightaway, directly

Cain-coloured, cane-coloured (adj.) reddish-yellow

canary, canaries (n.) 1 variety of sweet wine from the Canary Islands

canary, canaries (n.) 3 malapropism, probably for ‘quandary’

caper (v.) 1 be lively, show high spirits

career (n.) 2 racecourse, horse-racing track

careless (adj.) 1 carefree, unconcerned, untroubled

carriage (n.) 5 burden, load

carrier (n.) messenger, courier, go-between

carrion (n.) 1 carcass, wretch, worthless beast

carry (v.) 6 take, lead, conduct

carry it (away) [from a falconry term ‘to fly away with the game’] win the day, have the advantage, succeed

carve (v.) 1 be a generous hostess; or: speak in a charmingly affected way

case (n.) 1 state, plight, situation, circumstance

casement (n.) 1 window [on hinges and able to be opened]

cashier (v.) 1 rob, fleece, relieve of money

cashier (v.) 2 discharge, dismiss [from service]

Castalion (n.) [unclear meaning] Castilian [Spanish]; Castalian [sacred spring on Mt Parnassus]

Cataian, Cathayan (n.) [from Cathay = China] scoundrel, rogue, villain

cat-a-mountain, cat o'mountain (adj./n.) mountain-cat, wildcat, panther

cavaliero (adj.) gallant, valiant, honourable

chafe (v.) 1 fret, rage, seethe

chair (n.) 3 place of authority

chalice (n.) 1 small goblet, tiny tankard

chance (v.) 1 happen [to], transpire, come about

charactery (n.) writing, letters, expression

charge (n.) 1 command, order, injunction, instruction

charge (n.) 3 task, responsibility, duty

charge (v.) 8 cause expense, burden with a cost

chariness (n.) careful preservation, strict uprightness

charm (n.) 1 magic spell, enchantment

cheater (n.) deceiver, sharper, gamester; also: officer who looks after estates forfeited to the crown

check (n.) 1 reprimand, reproof, rebuke

cheer (n.) 1 entertainment, fare, food and drink

chiding (n.) 1 telling-off, scolding, rebuke

chimney (n.) fireplace, hearth

choler (n.) anger, rage, wrath

civility (n.) civilized conduct, courteous behaviour, good manners

clap on (v.) activate promptly, put on smartly

clapper-claw (v.) beat up, thrash, scratch

clear (adj.) 2 innocent, blameless, free from fault, not guilty

clerkly (adj.) scholarly, erudite, full of learning

closet (n.) 1 private chamber, study, own room

coach-fellow (n.) [one of a team of horses drawing a coach] companion, mate, partner in crime

coat (n.) 1 coat-of-arms

cog (v.) 1 flatter, fawn, sweet-talk

cogging (adj.) deceiving, cheating, double-crossing

colour (n.) 2 good ground, convincing reason, excuse

colours (n.) 1 battle-flags, ensigns, standards, banners

combat (n.) duel, trial by duel

come cut and long tail [whether a horse or dog has its tail docked or not] whatever happens, come what may

come near (v.) 1 enter, come in/into

come off (v.) 5 pay up, settle up

come to (v.) achieve, attain, arrive at

comfort (n.) 1 encouragement, support, hope

command, at / upon at one's disposal, at one's pleasure

commend (v.) 1 convey greetings, present kind regards

commend (v.) 3 present, introduce, bring [for favourable acceptance]

commend (v.) 4 praise, admire, extol

companion (n.) 1 rogue, rascal, fellow

compass (n.) 4 circlet, encircling band

compass (v.) 1 accomplish, fulfil, achieve, bring about

compass (v.) 8 bend into a circle, make to curve round

complexion (n.) 1 appearance, look, colouring

compliment, complement (n.) 3 show, display, exhibition

compromise (n.) settlement, solution, amicable arrangement

conceal (v.) malapropism for ‘reveal’

conceited (adj.) 1 ingenious, clever, well-devised

conceive (v.) 1 understand, comprehend, follow

conclusion (n.) 1 outcome, upshot, final result

confidence (n.) 3 malapropism for ‘conference’

confident (adj.) 2 trusting, complacent, self-assured

conjure (v.) 5 put a spell on, charm, bewitch

construction (n.) 1 interpretation, reading, explanation

construe (v.) 3 explain, expound

content (adj.) 1 agreeable, willing, ready

content (adj.) 3 satisfied, calm, easy in mind

content (n.) 2 contentment, peace of mind

content (n.) 3 acceptance, acquiescence

contented (adj.) 3 calm, easy in mind, restrained

contract (v.) 4 betrothe, engage

contrary (adj.) 2 different, at a distance apart

convenient (adj.) fitting, suitable, appropriate

conversation (n.) 1 way of life, behaviour, manners, conduct

convey (v.) 1 carry off, make away with, take by force

convey (v.) 3 conceal, hide, secrete

cony-catch (v.) 2 take to cheating, become a trickster

cony-catching (adj.) cheating, swindling

Coram (n.) malapropism for ‘quorum’ [part of a legal formula for installing the number of justices needed to constitute a bench]

cornuto (n.) beast with horns; cuckold

costard (n.) [jocular: large kind of apple] head

couch (v.) 1 conceal, hide, lie hidden

counsel (n.) 5 secrecy, confidence, privacy

countenance (n.) 5 position, standing, authority

counterfeit (v.) 1 copy, imitate, simulate

country (n.) district, region, quarter

course over (v.) run an eye over, check out, go through

courtlike (adj.) courtly, elegant, well-mannered

cowl-staff (n.) thick shoulder-pole used for carrying a heavy container

coxcomb (n.) 1 head

coxcomb (n.) 3 fool's cap [with a crest like a cock's crest]

cozen (v.) cheat, dupe, trick, deceive

cozenage (n.) cheating, trickery, deception

cozener (n.) cheat, deceiver, fraud

cozen-german (n.) German confidence trickster; or: first cousin

cozening (adj.) cheating, deceiving, fraudulent

craft (n.) 3 cunning, deceit, guile

crave (v.) 1 beg, entreat, request

crest (n.) 3 heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms

cross (v.) 1 prevent, thwart, forestall

crotchet (n.) strange notion, perverse idea, whimsical fancy

cry (v.) 1 speak loudly, shout out, proclaim

cry out (v.) 1 [hunting] call like a hound

cuckold (n.) [mocking name] man with an unfaithful wife

cuckold (v.) [mocking name] dishonour a man by making his wife unfaithful

cuckoldy (adj.) cuckolded

curtal (adj.) with a docked tail; common, household

custom (n.) 1 habit, usual practice, customary usage

daubery, daubry (n.) trickery, pretence, deceitful show

dead (adj.) 6 condemned to death, to be put to death

deal with (v.) make use of, resort to

decay (n.) 1 destruction, downfall, ending

deceit (n.) deception, stratagem, trick

decipher (v.) 3 make known to, indicate to

decrease (v.) malapropism for ‘increase’

deep (n.) depths, middle

defy (v.) 1 reject, despise, disdain, renounce

degree (n.) 1 rank, station, standing

dejected (adj.) cast down, abased, humbled

delay (n.) set of delaying tactics, procrastination

demand (n.) 2 condition, request, claim

denote (v.) 2 mark out, single out, distinguish

desperate (adj.) 1 despairing, hopeless, without hope

despite of, in (prep.) in spite of

detect (v.) 1 expose, unmask, uncover

detection (n.) exposure, revelation, evidence of unfaithfulness

determination (n.) 1 mind, decision, resolution

detest (v.) 2 malapropism for ‘protest’

device (n.) 1 plot, stratagem, trick

difference (n.) 7 distinction, discrimination, contrast [between]

diffused (adj.) 1 disorderly, mixed-up, jumbled

discourse (n.) 1 conversation, talk, chat

discourse (v.) 1 talk, chat, converse

discover (v.) 1 reveal, show, make known

discuss (v.) disclose, make known, declare

dishonest (adj.) 3 indecent, unchaste, immodest, lewd

dishonesty (n.) 2 unchasteness, lewdness, immorality

dispatch, despatch (v.) 1 deal with promptly, settle, get [something] done quickly

dispense with (v.) 2 have done with, do away with, forgo

disposition (n.) 2 natural temperament, normal state of mind

dissembling (adj.) deceitful, hypocritical, false

dissolutely (adv.) malapropism for ‘resolutely’

dissolution (n.) 1 melting, liquefaction, dissolving

dissolve (v.) 2 separate, part, break up

dissolved (adj.) 2 malapropism for ‘resolved’

distance (n.) 1 [fencing] regulation space to be kept between contestants

distemper (n.) 3 bad temper, cross mood

distract (v.) 3 [unclear meaning] perplex, bewilder

distraction (n.) 1 perturbation, agitation, frenzied state

divers (adj.) different, various, several

divinity (n.) 2 divination, divine power, supernatural presence

divulge (v.) 1 proclaim, reveal, make publicly known

dole, happy man be his destiny, fate, lot

doom (n.) 2 final destiny, deciding fate, death and destruction

doubt (v.) 2 suspect, have suspicions about, fear

doubt, out of without doubt, unquestionably, indubitably

doubtful (adj.) 1 fearful, worried, apprehensive

draff (n.) pig-swill, refuse, garbage

draw (v.) 15 draw liquor [from barrels]

dress (v.) 1 prepare, make ready

drumble (v.) dawdle, loiter, move sluggishly

dry nurse (n.) housekeeper

dwell (v.) exist, continue, persist

dwell on / upon 1 preserve, maintain, pay attention to

egress and regress [legal] right of leaving and return, freedom to come and go

eke (adv.) [archaism] also, moreover, too

eld (n.) 1 men of old, people from former times

elder (n.) 3 elder tree

element (n.) 8 sphere of knowledge, proper comprehension

embassy (n.) 1 message [especially via an ambassador]

embattle (v.) deploy, draw up, marshal

encompass (v.) 2 outwit, catch out, get round

encounter (n.) 4 liaison, intercourse, amorous affair

engross (v.) 1 get together, collect, gather, seize

enlarge (v.) 1 release, set at large, discharge

ensconce, insconce (v.) 1 protect, conceal, shelter

entertain (v.) 5 hire, employ, maintain, take into service

entertain (v.) 6 consider, treat, think of

entertain (v.) 8 occupy, engage, fill up

entertainment (n.) 3 hospitality, provision for needs

entertainment (n.) 8 [mistaken use] guest, resident

Ephesian (n.) good mate, old drinking companion

Epicurean (adj.) 1 sensual, lecherous, pleasure-seeking

equipage (n.) 2 [unclear meaning] small parts, instalments

erection (n.) malapropism for ‘direction’

eringo (n.) candied sweetmeat from the sea holly [eryngium] believed to be an aphrodisiac

eschew (v.) avoid, escape, prevent

even, e'en (adv.) 5 quite, fully, simply

evitate (v.) avoid, avert, get away from

exhibit (v.) 1 submit for inspection, produce for consideration, propose

expense (n.) 1 extravagance, expenditure, spending

experiment (n.) investigation, inquiry, exploration

expressure (n.) 1 expression., picture, image

extremity (n.) 5 ridiculous behaviour, embarrassing conduct

eyas-musket (n.) young male sparrow-hawk

fain (adj.) 1 obliged, forced, compelled

fain (adv.) gladly, willingly

fall (n.) 2 mistake, fault, lapse

fallow (adj.) 2 fawn-coloured, pale brown

false (adj.) 1 treacherous, traitorous, perfidious

false (adj.) 2 disloyal, faithless, inconstant, unfaithful

familiar (adj.) 1 friendly, congenial, welcoming

familiar (adj.) 2 close to a family, domestic

fantasy (n.) 2 imagination, inventiveness, mental creativity

fantasy (n.) 5 ardent desire, amorous fancy

fap (adj.) drunk

fare ... well

farthingale (n.) long skirt extended at the back by a framework of hoops

fartuous (adj.) malapropism for ‘virtuous’

fault (n.) 1 sin, offence, crime

fault (n.) 2 mistake, error, blunder

fault (n.) 3 failing, weakness

fee (v.) 2 purchase, procure, secure

fee simple, in in complete possession

fellow (n.) 7 keeper, warden, forester

fence (n.) 1 fencing ability, skill at swordplay

fico (n.) fig

fidelity, by my upon my word of honour

fight (n.) screen raised for protecting the crew during a sea-battle

figure (n.) 8 fancy, imagining, phantasm

figure (n.) 9 astrological diagram, horoscope

find out (v.) 3 inquire into, follow up

fine (n.) 6 [legal] agreement to transfer land possession

fine-baited (adj.) full of attractive temptations, enticingly baited

finely (adv.) nicely, delicately, subtly

fit (v.) 1 suit, befit, be suitable [for]

fixture (n.) way of placing, setting down

flare (v.) blow in the air, stream loosely

foin (v.) [fencing] thrust, lunge

folly (n.) wantonness, lewdness

foot (v.) 1 pace, walk about

foot, on 1 in employment, taking place, under way

foppery (n.) 2 foolish prank, hoax, deceit

forbear (v.) 1 stop, cease, desist

forbear (v.) 3 control oneself, have patience [for]

forsooth (adv.) in truth, certainly, truly, indeed

forswear (v), past forms forsworn, forswore 1 swear falsely, perjure [oneself], break one's word

fortune (n.) 1 good fortune, success

foul (adj.) 4 dirty, miry, muddy

frailty (n.) 1 moral weakness, shortcoming, liability to give in to temptation

frampold (adj.) disagreeable, bad-tempered, moody

Francisco (n.) Frenchman

fret (v.) 2 decay, fester, ferment

friend (n.) 1 lover, sweetheart, suitor

friend (n.) 3 well-wisher, favourer

frieze (n.) type of rough woollen cloth

fright (v.), past form frighted frighten, scare, terrify

froth (v.) make beer foam up [so that not so much is sold]

fullam, fulham (n.) type of loaded dice

fury (n.) 2 impetuous way, fierce passion

gait (n.) 1 manner of walking, bearing, movement

gall (v.) 2 chafe, rub, make sore

gallant (n.) 1 fine gentleman, man of fashion

gallimaufry (n.) complete mixture, whole assembly, every sort

gelding (n.) castrated horse; horse that is placid in temperament

geminy (n.) pair, couple, brace

gentle (adj.) 2 courteous, friendly, kind

gentle (n.) 3 (plural) gentlemen

gentlewoman (n.) woman of good breeding, well-born lady

gentry (n.) 2 social rank, breeding, level in society

get (v.) 1 beget, conceive, breed

giantess (n.) she-giant

gibe (n.) scoff, taunt, jeer

gift (n.) 1 quality, accomplishment, talent

gin (n.) snare, trap

ging (n.) gang, company, whole household

give (v.) 7 display, show, bear arms of

glance (v.) 2 miss the mark, be ineffective

glover (n.) glove-maker, leather-worker

go to (v.) 1 accord with, correspond to, match

good life comfortable position, respectable way of life

goodman (adj.) 1 title for a person under the rank of gentleman, yeoman

goodwife (n.) mistress of a house, Mrs

good-year / goodyear, what the [expression of impatience] what the deuce

gossip (n.) 2 friend, neighbour

gourd (n.) type of loaded dice

grace (n.) 3 personal duty, sense of propriety

grandsire (n.) 1 grandfather

grate (n.) 2 prison bars, grating, cage

grate on / upon (v.) pester, harass, make heavy demands on

gratis (adv.) for nothing, without payment

grievously (adv.) 2 seriously, greatly

gripe (v.) clutch, grasp, seize

gross (adj.) 1 plain, striking, evident, obvious

gross (adj.) 7 coarse, vulgar, unrefined

grossly (adv.) 1 openly, blatantly, brazenly

grossness (n.) 1 flagrant nature, obviousness, enormity

habit (n.) 1 dress, clothing, costume

hack (v.) [unclear meaning] be promiscuous, go whoring

hair (n.) 1 character, nature, kind

hair / hair's breadth, to a in every little detail, in full, exactly

hang together (v.) keep in one piece, carry on existing

hard (adj.) 4 unpleasant, harsh, cruel

hard (adv.) 1 close, near

harvest-home (n.) 2 gathering-in, moment of success

hatch (n.) 3 (plural) movable deck planks

have with you I'll join you, I'll be with you

having (n.) 1 fortune, estate, means

haviour (n.) behaviour, manner, demeanour

hawthorn-bud (n.) young dandy, budding courtier

heavy (adj.) 1 sorrowful, sad, gloomy

hedge (v.) 2 evade, be devious, prevaricate

heels, out at penniless, destitute, in desperate straights

Herod of Jewry out-and-out villain

hick (v.) hiccup [from drinking]

higher (adv.) 1 further, longer

hind (n.) 2 servant, domestic, worker

hodge-pudding (n.) stuffing made of many ingredients

hold (v.) 3 stand firm, continue, carry on

hold (v.) 5 apply, be apt, remain valid

hold it out keep it up

hold up (v.) 1 continue, keep going, carry on

holiday time (n.) best time, prime

honest (adj.) 1 chaste, pure, virtuous

honesty (n.) 1 virtue, chastity

honesty (n.) 2 honour, integrity, uprightness

honour (n.) 3 noble rank, position of dignity, title of renown

hope (n.) 1 likelihood, possibility

horn-mad (adj.) [as of horned beasts] furious, enraged, raving mad

hot (adj.) 3 lecherous, lustful, hot-blooded

hot-blooded (adj.) lecherous, passionate, lustful

hue and cry (n.) general pursuit [of a felon]

humidity (n.) 2 bundle of fluids

humour (n.) 1 mood, disposition, frame of mind, temperament [as determined by bodily fluids]

humour (n.) 2 fancy, whim, inclination, caprice

humour (n.) 3 style, method, way, fashion

humour (n.) 4 sentiment, turn of phrase, manner of expression

humour (v.) like the mood of, find enjoyable, indulge

humoured (adj.) expressing a particular disposition; lying, treacherous

humour-letter (n.) letter displaying a particular sentiment

Hungarian (adj.) [pun on ‘hungry’] beggarly, thievish

husband (v.) 3 make the most of, thrive well with

idle (adj.) 9 bored, jaded, wearied

idle-headed (adj.) ignorant, foolish, superstitious

ill (adj.) 1 bad, adverse, unfavourable

ill (adj.) 2 evil, wicked, immoral

ill (adj.) 3 poor, inadequate, miserable

ill (adj.) 5 annoyed, cross, vexed

ill (adv.) 1 badly, adversely, unfavourably

ill (n.) 1 wrong, injury, harm, evil

ill-favoured (adj.) ugly, unattractive, unsightly

ill-favouredly (adv.) 1 badly, unpleasingly, offensively

image (n.) 1 embodiment, instance, form

imagination (n.) 1 delusion, fancy, imagining

importune (v.) 1 urge, press

improvident (adj.) shortsighted, lacking foresight, careless

infection (n.) 2 malapropism for ‘affection’

inherit (v.) 1 receive, obtain, come into possession [of]

instalment (n.) stall, seat where someone is installed

instance (n.) 1 sign, evidence, proof

instant, at an at the same time, simultaneously

intelligence (n.) 1 information, news, communication

intend (v.) 4 plan, arrange, organize

intend (v.) 7 [translation of French ‘entendre’] understand

intent (n.) intention, purpose, aim

intolerable (adj.) excessive, exorbitant, exceedingly great

invention (n.) 1 inventiveness, imagination, creative faculty

issue (n.) 2 outcome, result, consequence(s)

Jack (n.) 1 Jack-in-office, ill-mannered fellow, lout, knave

Jack-a-Lent (n.) [jocular; male figure used as an Aunt Sally during Lent] puppet, poppet, doll

jackanapes, jackanape, jack'nape (n.) upstart, buffoon, monkey

jack-dog (n./adj.) mongrel, currish, mutt-like

jay (n.) [bird of bright plumage] showy woman, whore

jerkin (n.) male upper garment, close-fitting jacket [often made of leather]

jointure (n.) marriage settlement, part of a husband's estate due to his widow

judge (v.) 2 establish, determine, decide upon

just (adv.) 1 exactly, precisely

keep on (v.) go ahead, go on, carry on

keep your way keep going, don't stop

keisar (n.) kaiser, emperor

ken (v.) 3 know, be acquainted with

kerchief (n.) cloth head-covering, scarf

kibe (n.) chilblain, inflamed heel

kidney (n.) constitution, nature, type

kiln-hole (n.) fire-hole of a kiln, oven

kissing-comfit (n.) perfumed sweetmeat for sweetening the breath

knave (n.) 1 scoundrel, rascal, rogue

knave (n.) 2 servant, menial, lackey

knit, knit up (v.) 1 tie, fasten [by means of a knot]

knot (n.) 1 company, band, assembly

landed (adj.) possessed of land, having property

lard (v.) 2 mix in, intermix, intermingle

large, at 1 at length, in full, thoroughly

late-walking (n.) going out with whores late at night

latten (adj.) made of thin brass, tin-plate

laundry (n.) laundress

lay (v.) 3 put forward, present, use

lay (v.) 4 set up, arrange, devise

league (n.) 1 compact, alliance, treaty, bond of friendship

leave (v.) 2 abandon, forsake, relinquish

leer (n.) 2 glance, look, eye

legend (n.) probably a malapropism for ‘legion’

leman (n.) lover, paramour, sweetheart

lewdster (n.) debaucher, profligate, lascivious individual

lie (v.) 1 live, dwell, reside, lodge

lief, had as should like just as much

like (adv.) 1 likely, probable / probably

liking (n.) 3 bodily shape, good condition

lime (v.) 4 mix wine with lime [to add to its sparkle]

line (n.) 4 conduct, way of behaving, course of action

linger (v.) 3 stay on [in town], wait around

liquor (v.) 1 grease, oil

list (v.) 1 wish, like, please

look (v.) 2 find, seek, look for

look (v.) 3 take care, see, be sure

look after (v.) 1 follow with the eye, look with favour on

look against (v.) look at directly

lose (v.) 2 waste, throw away, give unprofitably

loves, of all for love's sake

lubberly (n.) clumsy, loutish, oafish

luce (n.) [heraldry] pike [type of fish]

lurch (v.) rob, cheat

luxury (n.) lust, lechery, lasciviousness

Machiavel (n.) master of intrigue, political schemer

mad (adj.) 1 wild, uncontrollable, excitable, high-spirited

make (v.) 1 do, have to do

make (v.) 2 do, perform, carry out

make (v.) 9 give, provide

make one join in the action, take part

malcontent (n.) discontented individual, trouble-maker

mark (v.) 1 note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]

matter (n.) 4 affair(s), business, real issue

matter (n.) 5 reason, cause, ground

matter (n.) 6 means, capacity, wherewithal

matter (n.) 7 pus, discharge, fluid [from a wound]

mean (v.) 1 intend, purpose, mean to act

measure (n.) 8 slow stately dance, graceful movement

measure (v.) 4 check that the length of two weapons is the same [before beginning a duel]

measuring (n.) task of checking measurement

meat (n.) 1 food, nourishment

mechanical (adj.) common, servile, menial

meddle or make interfere, butt in

meed (n.) 1 reward, prize, recompense

meet (adj.) 1 fit, suitable, right, proper

meet (v.) 2 come together for love

mere (adj.) 1 complete, total, absolute, utter

messenger (n.) 2 malapropism for ‘message’

metheglin (n.) [mi'theglin] strong spiced Welsh mead

methinks(t), methought(s) (v.) it seems /seemed to me

middle earth (n.) earth, seen as midway between heaven and hell

milch-kine (n.) dairy-milk cows

mill-sixpence (n.) sixpence made in a coin-making mill

mince (v.) 2 walk like a lady, walk with delicate short steps

mind (n.) 2 intention, purpose, intent

minister (n.) messenger, agent, servant

mirth (n.) 1 merry-making, pleasure-seeking

mirth (n.) 2 joke, diversion, sport

mischief (n.) 1 catastrophe, calamity, misfortune

misdoubt (v.) 1 distrust, suspect, have misgivings about

misgive (v.) 1 make one feel uneasy, cause one to be apprehensive

miss (v.) 2 fail to meet, let down

misuse (v.) 1 disgrace, deride, abuse

mock (v.) 1 make fun of, ridicule

mock (v.) 3 deceive, delude, mislead

montant (n.) [fencing] upward thrust

morrow (n.) morning

motion (n.) 5 urging, prompting, encouragement

motion (n.) 6 proposal, proposition, suggestion, offer

motion (n.) 12 bowel movement

moved (adj.) 1 upset, agitated, distressed

mummy (n.) 1 dead flesh, pulp

muse (v.) 5 grumble, moan

mussel-shell (n.) empty-head, gaping idiot [with mouth open like a mussel-shell]

mutually (adv.) all together, jointly

mynheer (n.) [Dutch] gentleman

nayword, nay-word (n.) 1 password, watchword

niggardly (adv.) sparingly, grudgingly, slightly

night, at at nightfall, this evening

nightly (adv.) at night, during the night

note (n.) 3 characteristic, trait, distinctive feature

notify (v.) notice, take note, observe

no-verb (n.) word of warning; or: non-existing word

nuthook, nut-hook (n.) constable, beadle, officer

obey (v.) respond to, be affected by

obligation (n.) bond, agreement, legal document

obsequious (adj.) 2 devoted, compliant, ready to please

observance (n.) 1 proper attention, attentiveness, heed

odds (n. plural) 4 quarrel, disagreement, strife

oeillade (n.) [pron: 'iliad, uh'yahd] ] amorous glance, look of love, ogle

offer (v.) 1 attempt, start, try, make a move

office (n.) 1 task, service, duty, responsibility

office (n.) 5 service, sympathy, kindness

old (adj.) 4 plenty of, abundant, more than enough

once (adv.) 4 some time, at a convenient point

open (adj.) 1 public, exposed to general view

open (v.) 3 [hunting] bark at finding a scent

operation (n.) 2 plan, active thought, working idea

order (n.) 8 order of knighthood

ouph, oaf (n.) elf, elfen child, changeling

overflow (v.) 3 pour out, overflow with

overlook (v.) 4 bewitch, subject to magic

overreaching (n.) deception, exaggeration, fabrication

overthrown (adj.) ruined, disgraced, brought into disrepute

ox (n.) fool, dupe

oyes, oyez (n.) hear ye [town crier's ‘Oyez’]

pack (n.) 1 gang, group, circle, confederacy

pack (v.) 1 take [oneself] off, be off, depart

pander, pandar (n.) pimp, procurer, go-between

panderly (adj.) pimping, procuring, go-between

parcel (n.) 1 part, piece, portion, bit

park (n.) hunting ground

park-ward (n.) direction of Windsor Great Park

part (n.) 1 quality, attribute, gift, accomplishment [of mind or body]

pass (n.) 2 bout, exchange, round [in fencing]

pass (v.) 1 surpass, go beyond, outdo

pass (v.) 2 pass muster, stand up well

pass (v.) 10 use, show, employ

pass (v.) 12 experience, feel

passant (adj.) [heraldry] walking, with three paws on the ground and one raised

pate (n.) head, skull

pauca... few words

pawn (n.) pledge, surety, forfeit

pay (v.) 4 beat, make suffer

peace (v.) be still, keep silent, be calm

peaking (adj.) sneaking, skulking, lurking

peck (n.) 2 circular vessel capable of holding a peck [quarter bushel] of goods

peer out (v.) peep out, show oneself

peevish (adj.) 1 silly, foolish; or: headstrong, impulsive

pendent (adj.) 1 downhanging, drooping, dangling

pensioner (n.) gentleman of the royal bodyguard

people (n.) household, servants

peradventure (adv.) perhaps, maybe, very likely

perforce (adv.) 2 of necessity, with no choice in the matter

period (n.) 2 point of completion, fitting conclusion, consummation

perpend (v.) consider, ponder, reflect

persuade (v.) 1 urge, entreat, beseech

pheazar (n.) [unclear meaning] vizier, person of great stature

phlegmatic (adj.) malapropism for ‘choleric’ [= angry]

physic (n.) 1 medicine, healing, treatment

picked-hatch, pickt-hatch (n.) spiked half-door; house of disrepute, brothel

pickpurse, pick-purse (n.) pickpocket, purse-stealer

piece (n.) 7 cannon, piece of artillery, fire-arm

piece out (v.) 1 augment, increase, supplement

pin (n.) 1 trifle, triviality, insignificant amount

pinch (v.) 6 take, squeeze, press

pinioned (adj.) 1 bound, tied up, secured

pinnace (n.) small speedy boat with a single mast

pittie-ward (n.) direction of Windsor Little Park

place (n.) 1 position, post, office, rank

playing day (n.) school holiday, day off

pleasure (v.) please, gratify, give pleasure to

plummet (n.) weighted line used for measuring the depth of water

point-blank (adv.) 1 straight, with a direct aim

polecat (n.) [slang] prostitute, courtesan, whore

politic (adj.) 3 cunning, full of intrigue, wily

portly (adj.) stately, majestic, dignified

possess (v.) 2 fill, imbue

posset (n.) restorative hot drink, made of milk, liquor, and other ingredients

possibility (n.) 2 (plural) financial prospects

possitable (adj.) version of ‘positively’

potato (n.) sweet potato, yam [regarded as an aphrodisiac]

pottle, pottle-pot (n.) drinking vessel containing two quarts

power (n.) 8 faculty, function, ability

prate (v.) prattle, chatter, blather

precise (adj.) 2 scrupulously pure, strictly observed, unstained

precisian (n.) strict adviser, spiritual mentor

predominate (v.) 1 [astrology] be in the ascendancy, exert a controlling influence

preparation (n.) 3 forewarning, prior ceremony

preparation (n.) 4 accomplishment, capacity, achievement

preposterously (adv.) out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely

present (v.) 4 act, represent, play the part of

presently (adv.) 1 immediately, instantly, at once

presently (adv.) 2 after a short time, soon, before long

press (n.) 2 clothes-press, cupboard, wardrobe

prevent (v.) 2 take steps to thwart, avoid by prompt action

pribbles and prabbles vain chatter and silly quarrelling

primero (n.) type of gambling card game

profess (v.) 2 undertake, pledge

property (n.) 3 means to an end, commercial asset

property (n.) 4 (plural) stage requisites, accessories, props

proportion (n.) 3 weighing up, appropriate measuring

prosper (v.) make prosperous, give success to

protest (v.) 2 declare, say, swear

protest (v.) 4 declare love

proudest (n./adj.) eminent, notable, grand

prove (v.) 1 test, try out, make trial [of]

provocation (n.) erotic stimulation, inciting lustful thoughts

pudding (n.) 2 stuffing

puffed (adj.) 1 increased, extended, stuffed

pullet-sperm (n.) [contemptuous] poultry-seed, egg

pumpion (n.) pumpkin

punk (n.) harlot, strumpet, whore

punto (n.) [fencing] thrust with the sword-point

purpose (n.) 1 intention, aim, plan

purpose (n.) 3 outcome, result, end

putting down (n.) suppression, restraint, repression

quaint (adv.) elaborately, elegantly, finely

quality (n.) 1 nature, disposition, character

quality (n.) 2 accomplishment, capacity, ability

quarrel at (v.) object to; or: start quarrelling at

quarter (v.) 1 add a coat-of-arms to a [quarter of] a shield

quean (n.) bawd, jade, hussy

question (v.) 4 discuss the matter, talk things over

quick (adj.) 1 living, vital, full of life

quittance (n.) 3 document certifying a release from debt, receipt of discharge

quoth (v.) said

quoth a, quotha (int.) did he say?, indeed!

rabble (n.) 1 crowd, pack, mob

rag (n.) 1 worthless wretch, good-for-nothing creature, beggar

ragged (adj.) 2 broken, jagged, fragmented

rail (v.) rant, rave, be abusive [about]

raise (v.) 2 rouse, stir up, call to arms

raise up (v.) stimulate, stir up, excite

rank (adj.) 2 foul-smelling, stinking

rank (adj.) 12 numerous, frequent, abundant

ranting (adj.) boisterous, jovial, noisily convivial

Ratolorum (n.) malapropism for ‘rotulorum’ [= of the rolls]

reason (n.) 7 reasonable treatment, justified course of action

reasonable (adj.) 2 moderate, not excessive, fair-minded

received (adj.) 1 definite, absolute, positive

recompense (n.) 1 payment for services, reward

recourse (n.) 1 opportunity of going, means of access

recovery (n.) 2 [legal] procedure for transferring property into full ownership

red-lattice (adj.) [sign of a] tavern, ale-house

reek (n.) foggy vapour, steam, fume, smoke

region (n.) 2 rank, sphere, social standing

rein (n.) 2 (plural) loins, kidneys

relent (v.) yield, give way, give up

remedy, no no question, no alternative

remembrance (n.) 1 memory, bringing to mind, recollection

remembrance (v.) mistake for ‘remember’

remorse (n.) 1 pity, regret, sorrow

reputation (n.) honour, esteem, integrity

require (v.) 1 request, ask, beg

requital (n.) recompense, reward, repayment

respect (n.) 1 consideration, factor, circumstance

respect (n.) 4 esteem, status, honour

rest (n.) 2 interval, space, pause

rest (v.) 1 remain, stay, stand

retort (v.) 2 repay, pay back, recompense

reverend (adj.) revered, worthy, respected

reverse (n.) [fencing] back-handed stroke

revolt (n.) 2 rebellion, act of disobedience

revolted (adj.) 2 faithless, disloyal, inconstant

rheumatic (adj.) 2 likely to cause rheumatism

riband (n.) ribbon

ride (v.), past forms rid, ridden 1 control, dominate, tyrannize

ronyon (n.) [term of abuse for a woman] mangy creature

rotten (adj.) 2 diseased, infected, liver-rotten

round (n.) 2 circlet, ring, crown

run (v.) 1 pass, spread, bring, cause to flow

rushling (adj.) rustling, swishing

rut-time (n.) mating season, time for sex

sack (n.) [type of] white wine

sadness, in / in good in earnest, seriously

salt (adj.) 1 salt-water, sea

salt (n.) 2 vigour, liveliness, spirit

salt-butter (adj.) cheap-living, mean, avaricious

sauce (v.) 3 make things hot for, charge extortionately

sawpit (n.) pit used for sawing wood

scald, scall, scauld (adj.) contemptible, vile, scabby

scape, 'scape (v.) escape, avoid

scene (n.) 1 play, drama, performance

scurvy (adj.) 1 contemptible, despicable, wretched

scut (n.) short tail [as of a deer]

sea-coal (adj.) mined coal of high quality brought by sea

season, of the [of male deer] in the rutting season, on heat

secure (adj.) 2 over-confident, unsuspecting, too self-confident

securely (adv.) 1 confidently, without misgiving, fearlessly

seeming (adj.) apparent, convincing in appearance

semblance (n.) 1 appearance, outward show

serve (v.) 2 suffice, be enough, do [for]

several (adj.) 1 separate, different, distinct

shade (n.) 2 shadow, phantom, spirit

shaft (n.) [long and slender] arrow

shelvy (adj.) gently shelving, sloping; or: made of sandbanks

she-Mercury (n.) woman messenger

shent (v.) 1 [from obsolete verb ‘shend’] blamed, rebuked, reproached

shift (v.) 1 provide, look out, take care

ship-tire (n.) fashionable head-dress shaped like a ship

shore (n.) 2 bank, edge

shovel-board (n.) wide coin used as a counter in the game of shovel-board

shrewd (adj.) 3 malicious, nasty, vicious

shuffle (v.) 1 spirit, smuggle, remove secretly

shuffle (v.) 3 behave evasively, act shiftily

sick (adj.) 1 longing, pining, avid

simple (adj.) 4 unmixed, without addition, plain

simple (n.) 2 medicinal herb, medicine

simple though I stand here as sure as I stand here; or: though who am I to say so

simple-time (n.) summer-time [when aromatic herbs used as medicines (simples) were available]

simply (adv.) 3 as is, without dowry

sing (v.) 1 anticipate trouble, see storm-clouds brewing

sit (v.) 1 lodge, live, stay

skirt (n.) 1 one of four pieces of cloth forming the lower part of a long coat

skirted (adj.) wearing a long coat

slack (v.) 3 put off, neglect, postpone

slight (v.) throw contemptuously, slide scornfully

sluttery (n.) 1 sluttishness, squalor, filthiness

small (adj.) 3 high-pitched, fluting, thin

smite (v.), past forms smote, smit 1 strike, hit (often, with great force)

smock (n.) woman's undergarment, shift, slip, chemise

society (n.) 1 companionship, fellowship, association

softly-sprighted (adj.) mild-tempered, gentle-spirited

something (adv.) 1 somewhat, rather

sometime (adv.) 1 formerly, at one time, once

sometime (adv.) 2 sometimes, now and then

sort (n.) 3 way, manner

sot (n.) blockhead, idiot, dolt

sound (adv.) soundly, heartily, vigorously

sound (v.) 2 find out, ascertain, sound out

speak holiday speak entertainingly; or: talk in a refined way

speciously (adv.) malapropism for ‘specially’

speed (v.) 1 meet with success, prosper, flourish

speed (v.) 2 fare, manage, get on

spigot (v.) wooden peg, tap [in a barrel]

sport (n.) 1 recreation, amusement, entertainment

sport (n.) 4 subject of sport

sprag (adj.) pronunciation of ‘sprack’: smart, active, alert

stale (n.) 2 dupe, sap, laughing-stock

stamp (n.) 2 coin, impression [of the monarch's head] made on a coin

stand (n.) 1 [hunting] standing-place, hiding-place

stand (v.) 2 continue, remain, wait, stay put

stand (v.) 5 make a stand, be resolute [on a point]

stand (v.) 7 dwell on, waste time with, rely upon

stand on (v.) 1 insist on, demand, call for

stand under (v.) suffer, endure, bear the weight of

stand upon (v.) 1 make an issue of, insist upon, bother about

Star-chamber (n.) supreme court of justice

staring (n.) insulting stare, glaring, gawping

start (n.) 3 advantage, edge, upper hand

start (v.) 1 jump, recoil, flinch

state (n.) 11 estate, property, wealth, means

still (adj.) 2 quiet, calm, subdued

still (adv.) 1 constantly, always, continually

still (adv.) 2 ever, now [as before]

stoccado, stoccata (n.) [fencing] thrust, lunge

stock (n.) 6 [fencing] thrust with the dagger-point

stone (n.) 4 testicle

stop (v.) 3 stopper, fasten, shut

straight (adv.) straightaway, immediately, at once

strain (n.) 1 quality, character, disposition

style (n.) 1 mode of address, formal title

submission (n.) compliance, deference, obedience

substance (n.) 1 real thing, genuine article

substance (n.) 2 property, wealth, possessions, treasure

subtle, subtile (adj.) 1 crafty, cunning, wily

suddenly (adv.) 1 immediately, at once, without delay

sue (v.) 1 beg, plead, beseech

sufferance (n.) 1 distress, suffering, hardship

suggest (v.) 1 tempt, prompt, incite

suit (n.) 1 formal request, entreaty, petition

suit (n.) 2 wooing, courtship

supposed (adj.) 1 pretended, false, counterfeit

sure (adj.) 3 safe, secure, free from danger

sure (adj.) 5 betrothed, joined, bound

surprise (n.) 1 taking by surprise, catching unawares

swing (v.) beat, thrash, wallop

swort (n.) pronunciation of ‘sword’ or ‘sort’ [= outcome]

sympathy (n.) 1 accord, agreement, harmony

table (n.) 4 dinner table, dinner party

take (v.) 7 bewitch, take possession of, take into one's power

take (v.) 19 catch out, take by surprise

take it affirm, swear, take an oath

take on (v.) 1 behave, act; or: rage, rant

taking (n.) 1 state, fright, agitation

tall (adj.) 1 brave, valiant, bold

tallow (n.) fat

tap (v.) work as a tapster

taper (n.) candle

tapster (n.) inn waiter, drawer of ale

tarry (v.) 3 await, expect, anticipate

task of (v.) occupy, engage, make demands on

tattling (adj.) gossiping, tale-telling, rumour-mongering

tattling (n.) prattle, chatter, idle talk

tender (n.) 2 proposal of marriage, offer of betrothal

term (n.) 2 names, labels

tester, testril (n.) sixpenny piece

theme (n.) 1 subject, subject-matter, topic of discourse

thickskin, thick-skin (n.) brutishly built, dullard, blockhead

throughly (adv.) thoroughly, fully, completely

thrummed (adj.) fringed with loose threads

tightly (adv.) soundly, properly, thoroughly

tire (n.) 1 head-dress, ornament for the head, raiment

tire-valiant (n.) fine head-dress

title (n.) 3 name, label, designation

to (prep.) 3 for

toast (n.) piece of hot toast, sop

token (n.) 2 signal, indication

tonight (adv.) last night, this past night

torture (v.) torment, afflict, plague

toy (n.) 1 whim, caprice, trifling matter

toy (n.) 6 flimsy being, insubstantial thing

trail (n.) [hunting] scent, track

translate (v.) 1 transform, change, alter

traverse (v.) 1 [fencing] pierce, stab, run through

trial-fire (n.) testing fire, ordeal by fire

tricking (n.) costumes, ornamentation, decking out, costumery

truckle-bed (n.) low-lying bed on castors, trundle-bed

true (adj.) 4 honest, upright, law-abiding

trust me believe me

try (v.) 2 put to the test, test the goodness [of]

tuft (n.) 2 bunch, cluster

tun (n.) 1 barrel, large cask

turn (v.) 7 direct, point, refer

turn (v.) 10 bring, put

turn away (v.) send away, dismiss from service

turtle (n.) turtle-dove, lover

twenty, and [ballad catch phrase, used as an intensifer] and many more

umpire (n.) arbitrator, mediator, adjudicator

uncomeliness (n.) unseemly behaviour, improper conduct

unconfinable (adj.) limitless, boundless, infinite

understand (v.) 2 come to an understanding, arrive at agreement

undertake (v.) 4 approach, make overtures to, commit to deal with

undone (adj.) ruined, destroyed, brought down

unduteous (adj.) undutiful, unfilial, disloyal

unfold (v.) 3 relate, recount, narrate

unfool (v.) make less of a fool, remove the name of fool from

unkennel (v.) reveal, bring to light, expose

unseasoned (adj.) 1 unseasonable, inopportune, badly timed

unweighed (adj.) hasty, thoughtless, ill-judged

unwholesome (adj.) 1 harmful, damaging, noxious

urchin (n.) 2 spirit in hedgehog form, goblin

urinal (n.) medical vessel for holding urine

use (v.) 1 be accustomed, make a habit [of]

use (v.) 2 treat, deal with, manage

vagram (adj.) malapropism for ‘vagrant’; or: mispronunciation of ‘fragrant’

vantage (n.) 1 right moment, suitable opportunity

varlet (n.) 1 knave, rogue, rascal, ruffian

varletto (n.) [mock-Italian] varlet, rascal, rogue

veney (n.) [fencing] bout, turn

vengeance of fie on, a plague on

very (adj.) 2 true, real, genuine

via, fia (int.) 1 come / go on, hurry up

villain (n.) 2 scoundrel, rogue, rascal

villainy (n.) 2 shaming practice, discrediting activity

vizament (n.) malapropism for ‘advisement’ [consideration]

vizard (n.) mask, visor

vizarded (adj.) masked, visored, disguised

vlouting-stock, -stog (n.) dialect form of ‘flouting-stock’ [= laughing-stock, object of derision]

voice (n.) 1 vote, official support

voice (n.) 2 support, approval, good word

voice (n.) 3 authoritative opinion, judgement

vouchsafe (v.) 1 allow, permit, grant

wag (v.) 1 go off, depart, go on one's way

wait on / upon (v.) 1 accompany, attend

wait on / upon (v.) 5 depend on, be subject to

walk (n.) 2 area of a forest under the supervision of a forester

walk (v.) 1 exercise, take out walking

walk in (v.) come in, enter

want (v.) 1 lack, need, be without

wanton (n.) 1 libertine, seducer

wantonness (n.) 3 lust, lasciviousness, promiscuity

ward (n.) 2 guard, protection, defence

warrant (n.) 2 licence, sanction, authorization

warrant (v.) 1 assure, promise, guarantee, confirm

warrener (n.) keeper of a rabbit warren

waste (n.) 4 [legal] damage to property by a tenant

watch (v.) 5 keep in view, catch in the act

ways, go thy / your 1 get along, be off

wear (v.) 2 pass, waste, run out

welkin (n.) sky, firmament, heavens

well-favoured (adj.) good-looking, attractive in appearance

well-willer (n.) well-wisher, one who offers good will

what though what of it, never mind

whelm (v.) overwhelm, drown, sink

whether (pron.) which of the two

whiting-time (n.) whitening time, time for clothes-bleaching

whitster (n.) linen-bleacher, whitener of clothing

wholesome (adj.) 3 sound, firm, in good condition

wide (adj.) 2 distant, removed, moving astray [from]

wight (n.) [archaism] person, human being

wild (adj.) 1 erratic, irregular, unruly

will (n.) 1 desire, wish, liking, inclination

will (n.) 4 intent, purpose, design

wink (v.) 1 shut one's eyes

wise woman, wisewoman (n.) fortune-teller, witch, sorceress

wit (n.) 1 intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability

wit (n.) 2 mental sharpness, acumen, quickness, ingenuity

wittol (n.) compliant cuckold, man who accepts his wife's infidelity

wittolly (adj.) cuckoldy; also: half-witted

wont (v.) be accustomed, used [to], be in the habit of

woodman (n.) hunter, huntsman

word (n.) 4 word of God

word, at a 1 in a word, once and for all, in short

word, at a 2 without more ado, at once, forthwith

wort (n.) 2 [pun on Evans' pronunciation of ‘word’] cabbage

worthy (adj.) 1 of worth, of value, deserving

wot (v.) 1 learn, know, be told

wrangle (v.) dispute, contest, argue over

write (v.) 3 sign, designate, call

wrong (n.) 1 dishonour, discredit, harm

wrong (n.) 4 wrong course of action

wrong (v.) 1 discredit, dishonour, injure, disgrace

wrong (v.) 2 put in the wrong, do injustice to, injure

yearn (v.) grieve, make mourn, move with pity

yellowness (n.) jealousy

yet, as yet (adv.) still

yoke (n.) 2 pair, couple, brace

yoke (n.) 3 horn, antler