A Midsummer Night's Dream
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 A Midsummer Night's Dream
a (prep.)variant form of 'to'
abate (v.)shorten, lessen, reduce
abide (v.)endure, undergo, face
abridgement (n.)pastime, short entertainment, means of shortening the time
aby (v.)suffer for, pay for, atone for
aby (v.)suffer for, pay for, atone for
accident (n.)occurrence, event, happening
ace (n.)one [lowest score on a dice]
act (n.)play interval, interlude
adamant (n.)legendary substance of great hardness and magnetism
address (v.)direct, apply, turn
address (v.)prepare, make ready, poise to act
admirable (adj.)wondrous, marvellous, extraordinary
advance (v.)display, present, promote
Aegles (n.)[pron: 'eegleez] daughter of Panopeus of Phocis, loved by Theseus
afeard (adj.)afraid, frightened, scared
afeard (adj.)afraid, frightened, scared
after-supper (n.)period of time immediately after dessert [eaten after the main course of the evening meal]
again (adv.)in return, back [in response]
aggravate (v.)intensify; malapropism for ‘moderate’
Acheron (n.)[pron: 'akeron] Underworld abyss and river, which souls of the dead must cross
air (n.)melody, tune, strain
aloof (adv.)a short distance away, to one side
Amazon, Amazonian (n.)one of a race of warrior women, said to be descended from Ares, god of war
amiable (adj.)beloved, desirable, lovable
an if (conj.)if
an if (conj.)if
and, an (conj.)as if
and, an (conj.)if, whether
and, an (conj.)if, whether
and, an (conj.)if, whether
and, an (conj.)if, whether
anon (adv.)soon, shortly, presently
anon (adv.)soon, shortly, presently
anon (adv.)soon, shortly, presently
anon (adv.)soon, shortly, presently
anon (adv.)soon, shortly, presently
antic, antick(e), antique (adj.)old-fashioned, old-world, antiquated
Antiopa, Antiope (n.)[pron: an'tiyopa] Amazon captured or abducted by Theseus
apace (adv.)quickly, speedily, at a great rate
apparel (n.)clothes, clothing, dress
apparel (n.)clothes, clothing, dress
apple (n.)pupil, centre
apprehend (v.)imagine, conceive, invent
apprehend (v.)imagine, conceive, invent
apprehension (n.)perception, auditory reception
approve (v.)prove, confirm, corroborate, substantiate
apricock (n.)apricot
argument (n.)subject, point, theme, target
Ariadne (n.)[ari'adnee] daughter of Minos who helped Theseus find his way through the labyrinth, and then fled with him; Theseus abandoned her while she slept at Naxos
arm (v.)prepare, get ready
art (n.)magic, enchantment, trickery
artificial (adj.)showing creative artistry, artistically skilful
assurance (n.)security, certainty, confidence
attend (v.)listen [to], pay attention [to]
attend (v.)serve, follow, wait [on/upon]
aught (n.)anything, [with negative word] nothing
aught (n.)anything, [with negative word] nothing
aunt (n.)old woman, gossip
avouch (v.)declare, assert, affirm
aye (adv.)always, ever, for eternity
aye (adv.)always, ever, for eternity
aye (adv.)always, ever, for eternity
Bacchanal (n.)devotee of Bacchus, the god of wine and inspiration
bait (v.)harass, persecute, torment
barky (adj.)bark-covered
barm (n.)froth on the top of fermenting ale
barren (adj.)stupid, empty-headed, dull
base (adj.)poor, wretched, of low quality
bate (v.)except, omit, leave out of consideration
batty (adj.)bat-like
bay (v.)bring to bay, drive to a last stand
bead (n.)tiny thing, smallest of objects
beached (adj.)having a beach, shingly, sandy
become (v.)be fitting, befit, be appropriate to
befall (v.), past forms befallen, befellhappen, occur, take place, turn out
befall (v.), past forms befallen, befellhappen, occur, take place, turn out
befall (v.), past forms befallen, befellhappen to, come to
beguile (v.)cheat, deceive, trick
behowl (v.)howl at, bay, cry out to
belike (adv.)probably, presumably, perhaps, so it seems
bent (adj.)determined, intent, resolved
Bergomask (n.)in the manner of the people of Bergamo, N Italy
beshrew, 'shrew (v.)curse, devil take, evil befall
beshrew, 'shrew (v.)curse, devil take, evil befall
beteem, beteene (v.)allow, permit, let, grant
bethink (v.), past form bethoughtcall to mind, think about, consider, reflect
bill (n.)inventory, list, catalogue
bladed (adj.)many-bladed, abounding in shoots
blood (n.)nobility, breeding, gentility, good parentage
blood (n.)passion, feeling, strong emotion [especially sexual]
blood (n.)passion, feeling, strong emotion [especially sexual]
blow (v.)blossom, bloom, flower
bob (v.)knock, bump, bang
body forth (v.)make available to the mind, give mental shape to
bolt (n.)[short and thick, crossbow] arrow
bond (n.)[physical] tie, restraint, constraint
bond (n.)deed, contract, pledge
bone (n.)(plural) pieces of bone [used as a musical instrument]
bootless (adj.)useless, worthless, fruitless, unavailing
bootless (adv.)fruitlessly, uselessly, unsuccessfully, in vain
bottle (n.)bundle, truss [of hay]
brake (n.)bush, thicket
brake (n.)bush, thicket
brake (n.)bush, thicket
brake (n.)bush, thicket
brake (n.)bush, thicket
brave (adj.)noble, worthy, excellent
bravely (adv.)showily, with great display, with a fine flourish
breath (n.)utterance, speech, voice
breath (n.)voice, song, sound
brief (n.)summary, short account
brisky (adj.)brisk, lively, sprightly
broach (v.)pierce, impale, spit
brow (n.)appearance, aspect, countenance
brow (n.)forehead [often plural, referring to the two prominences of the forehead]
bully (n./adj.)[especially as a warm form of address] fine fellow, good friend
bully (n./adj.)[especially as a warm form of address] fine fellow, good friend
bur, burr (n.)clinger, person difficult to shake off
buskined (adj.)wearing high hunting boots [buskins]
buy (v.)pay for, suffer the consequences of
Cadmus (n.)[pron: 'kadmus] son of Agenor, King of Tyre; he set off in pursuit of his sister Europa, arrived in Greece, and founded Thebes
canker (n./adj.)grub that destroys plant buds and leaves, cankerworm, parasite
canker-blossom (n.)grub that destroys the blossom [of love]
capacity (n.)intelligence, understanding, capability
car (n.)carriage, cart, chariot [often of the sun god]
carol (n.)song of joy
carry (v.)carry out, manage, conduct
casement (n.)moveable section of a window, light
catch (v.)seize, get hold of, capture
Cavalery (n.)cavalier, courtly gentleman
Centaur (n.)creature with the upper half of a man and the rear legs of a horse; reputed for bestial behaviour
centre (n.)centre of the earth, axis
certain (adj.)sure, unerring, accurate
clear (adj.)serene, cheerful, unclouded
clerk (n.)scholar, sage, man of learning
close (adj.)private, secluded, sequestered
clown (n.)yokel, rustic, country bumpkin; also: low comic character [in a play]
coat (n.)coat-of-arms
coil (n.)turmoil, disturbance, fuss
cold (adj.)chaste, modest, lacking sensual passion
collied (adj.)blackened, darkened, murky
commend (v.)convey greetings, present kind regards
compact (adj.)made up, composed
companion (n.)rogue, rascal, fellow
company (n.)companion, associate, comrade
compare (n.)comparison, simile, analogy
compare (v.)vie, rival, compete
compass (v.)go around, orbit, make a circuit of
compose (v.)make up, produce, fashion
comprehend (v.)take in, include, incorporate
con (v.)learn by heart, commit to memory
con (v.)learn by heart, commit to memory
conceit (n.)trinket, fancy article, bauble
conceive (v.)understand, comprehend, follow
concern (v.)be important to, be the concern of
concern (v.)befit, suit with, accord with
condole (v.)lament, grieve, express great sorrow
condoling (adj.)moving, affecting, poignant
conference (n.)conversation, talk, discourse
conjunction (n.)union, uniting, joining together
conjure up (v.)bring about [as if by magic], cause to appear
consecrate (adj.)consecrated, blessed, sanctified
consort (v.)accompany, attend, go with
constancy (n.)consistency, agreement, uniformity
contagious (adj.)pestilential, harmful, noxious
content (adj.)satisfied, calm, easy in mind
content (adj.)contented, patient, accepting, undisturbed
continent (n.)bank, embankment, course
convenient (adj.)fitting, suitable, appropriate
Corin (n.)traditional name given to a love-sick shepherd
coronet (n.)garland, wreath, circlet [of flowers, etc]
counterfeit (n.)impostor, pretender, sham
counterfeit (v.)pretend, feign, make believe
courtesy, cur'sy, curtsy (n.)courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
courtesy, cur'sy, curtsy (n.)courteous service, polite behaviour, good manners
coy (v.)caress, stroke, pet
crab (n.)crab-apple, sour apple
cradle (n.)place of repose, resting place
crannied (adj.)cracked, split, holed
crazed (adj.)flawed, unsound, impaired
crescent (n.)waxing moon, growing person
crest (n.)heraldic device placed above the shield and helmet in a coat-of-arms
Crete (n.)Mediterranean island, known for its dogs
critical (adj.)censorious, judgemental, fault-finding
cross (v.)prevent, thwart, forestall
crossway (n.)cross-road
crown (n.)head
cry (n.)company, pack [as of hounds]
Cupid (n.)[pron: 'kyoopid] Roman god of love, son of Venus and Mercury; a winged, blindfolded boy with curved bow and arrows
Cupid (n.)[pron: 'kyoopid] Roman god of love, son of Venus and Mercury; a winged, blindfolded boy with curved bow and arrows
Cupid (n.)[pron: 'kyoopid] Roman god of love, son of Venus and Mercury; a winged, blindfolded boy with curved bow and arrows
Cupid (n.)[pron: 'kyoopid] Roman god of love, son of Venus and Mercury; a winged, blindfolded boy with curved bow and arrows
Cupid's flowerpansy
curst (adj.)bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
curst (adj.)bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
curst (adj.)bad-tempered, quarrelsome, shrewish, cross
dame (n.)lady, mistress, woman of rank
Daphne (n.)nymph loved by Apollo; chased by the god, she was saved by being turned into a laurel, which became Apollo's sacred tree
dare (v.)challenge, confront, defy
darkling (adv.)in the dark, in darkness
date (n.)duration, period of existence
dead (adj.)deadly, death-dealing, murderous
debate (n.)quarrel, wrangling, strife
defeat (v.)frustrate, bring to nought
defect (n.)malapropism for ‘effect’
derived (adj.)descended, in lineage
desire (v.)request, wish, ask [for]
desire (v.)request, wish, ask [for]
device (n.)plan, scheme, intention
device (n.)show, performance, production
dew (v.)bedew, moisten, water
dewberry (n.)species of blackberry
dewlap, dewlop (n.)folds of loose skin hanging about the neck
dewlapped (adj.)with folds of loose skin around the throat
Diana, Dian (n.)Roman goddess associated with the Moon, chastity, and hunting
Diana, Dian (n.)Roman goddess associated with the Moon, chastity, and hunting
Dian's bud[unclear meaning] herb associated with chastity
die (n.)one of a pair of dice
discourse (v.)talk, chat, converse
discourse (v.)relate, talk about, recount
discourse (v.)relate, talk about, recount
disfigure (v.)stand for, disguise, alter the appearance of
discharge (v.)play, perform, execute
discharge (v.)play, perform, execute
discharge (v.)play, perform, execute
dispatch, despatch (v.)hurry up, be quick
dissembling (adj.)deceitful, hypocritical, false
dissolve (v.)melt, liquefy
distemperature (n.)disordered condition, inclement state [of weather]
ditty (n.)song
do (v.)perform, play one's part, act
do (v.)perform, play one's part, act
dole (n.)grief, sorrow, sadness
dotage (n.)doting, infatuation, excessive affection
double (adj.)forked, divided
double (adj.)forked, divided
downright (adv.)outright, totally, utterly
draw (v.)draw up, draft, frame
drawn (adj.)with sword drawn
dulcet (adj.)sweet, mild, pleasant, agreeable
duty (n.)reverence, due respect, proper attitude
eglantine (n.)sweet briar
eke (adv.)[archaism] also, moreover, too
enamelled (adj.)brightly coloured, multi-coloured, kaleidoscopic
enforced (adj.)violated, assaulted, ravished
engild (v.)gild, brighten, illuminate
enring (v.)form a ring round, encircle, surround
entwist (v.)clasp with a twist, entwine, wreathe around
Ercles (n.)['airkleez] comic form of Hercules
erewhile (adv.)a short time ago, a while before
estate (v.)endow, settle upon, bestow (up)on
Ethiop, Ethiope (adj./n.)Ethiopian, African, person with a dark countenance
excuse (v.)explain, give reasons [for]
exposition (n.)malapropism for ‘disposition’ [= inclination]
extempore (adj./adv.)spontaneously, involuntarily, without thinking
extenuate (v.)mitigate, lessen, tone down
extort (v.)torture, abuse, wring
eyne (n.)[archaism] eyes
eyne (n.)[archaism] eyes
eyne (n.)[archaism] eyes
eyne (n.)[archaism] eyes
faint (adj.)pale, lightly coloured
fair (adv.)kindly, encouragingly, courteously
fair (n.)fair face, beauty
fall (v.)drop, descend, let fall
false (adj.)sham, spurious, not genuine, artificial
false (adj.)disloyal, faithless, inconstant, unfaithful
false (adj.)wrong, mistaken
false (adj.)unfair, unjust, double-crossing
fancy (n.)love, amorousness, infatuation
fancy (n.)love, amorousness, infatuation
fancy (n.)imagination, creativity, inventiveness
fancy-sick (adj.)lovesick, infatuated, pining
fantasy (n.)ardent desire, amorous fancy
fantasy (n.)imagining, delusion, hallucination
fantasy (n.)imagining, delusion, hallucination
fare ... well (int.)goodbye [to an individual]
fare ... well (int.)goodbye [to an individual]
fare ... well (int.)goodbye [to an individual]
fashion (v.)arrange, contrive, manage
Fates (n.)trio of goddesses who control human destiny: Atropos (‘the inflexible’) cuts the thread of life allotted and spun by Lachesis (‘the distributor’) and Clotho (‘the spinner’)
Fates (n.)trio of goddesses who control human destiny: Atropos (‘the inflexible’) cuts the thread of life allotted and spun by Lachesis (‘the distributor’) and Clotho (‘the spinner’)
favour (n.)mark of favour, gift, token [often a love-token]
favour (n.)mark of favour, gift, token [often a love-token]
favour (n.)[facial] appearance, countenance, features, looks
fee (n.)payment, reward, recompense
fell (adj.)cruel, fierce, savage
fell (adj.)cruel, fierce, savage
fierce (adj.)wild, lively, violent
figure (v.)symbolize, represent, portray
filly (adj.)female
fire (n.)will o' the wisp
first (n.)[heraldry] first tincture in a blazon
flewed (adj.)with large cheek folds [flews], chapped
flood (n.)sea, deep, waves, rushing water
floweret (n.)small flower
fond (adj.)infatuated, doting, passionate
fond (adj.)foolish, stupid, mad
fond (adj.)foolish, trifling, frivolous
fond (adj.)foolish, trifling, frivolous
fool (n.)[professional] clown, jester
fordone (adj.)exhausted, tired out, worn out
forsooth (adv.)in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
forsooth (adv.)in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
forsooth (adv.)in truth, certainly, truly, indeed
forswear (v), past forms forsworn, forsworeabandon, renounce, reject, give up
forswear (v), past forms forsworn, forsworeswear falsely, perjure [oneself], break one's word
French crownbaldness caused by syphilis [often punning on the French coin]
French-crown-colour (adj.)light yellow coloured [as the French crown coin]
fright (v.), past form frightedfrighten, scare, terrify
fright (v.), past form frightedfrighten, scare, terrify
fright (v.), past form frightedfrighten, scare, terrify
frolic (adj.)frolicsome, merry, frisky
Furies (n.)three goddesses, spirits of vengeance, depicted as carrying torches and covered with snakes
gait (n.)proceedings, course, doings, steps
gait (n.)manner of walking, bearing, movement
gaud (n.)gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
gaud (n.)gaudy toy, showy plaything, trinket
gentle (adj.)well-born, honourable, noble
gentle (adj.)well-born, honourable, noble
gentle (adj.)courteous, friendly, kind
gentle (adj.)courteous, friendly, kind
gentle (adj.)courteous, friendly, kind
gentle (adj.)peaceful, calm, free from violence
gentle (adj.)peaceful, calm, free from violence
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (adj.)soft, tender, kind
gentle (n.)(plural) ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
gentle (n.)(plural) ladies and gentlemen, gentlefolk
gentleness (n.)nobility, good breeding, courtesy
give over (v.)desert, leave, abandon
glance at (v.)pick on, snipe at, cast aspersions on
glass (n.)mirror, looking-glass
glass (n.)mirror, looking-glass
gleek (v.)make a pointed joke, jest, gibe
go about (v.)endeavour, set to work, start trying
go alongcome along, come with me
gossip (n.)old woman, gossiping woman
gossip (v.)be a close companion, talk together
governess (n.)ruler, mistress
government (n.)control, charge, management
grace (n.)honour, favour, recognition, respect
grace (n.)success, favourable outcome, fortune
gracious (adj.)delightful, lovely, charming
green (n.)greenery, grass, vegetation
griffin (n.)fabulous beast, part lion part eagle
grim-looked (adj.)grim-looking, forbidding
grossness (n.)material nature, bodily form
guestwise (adv.)in the manner of a guest, as a visitor
hang off (v.)leave hold, stop clinging
harbinger (n.)forerunner, herald, precursor
head, to one'sto one's face, frankly, openly
heart (n.)(plural) grand-hearted lads, fine companions
heavy (adj.)pressing, weighty, overpowering
heavy (adj.)slow-moving, sluggish, laggard
heavy (adj.)weary, exhausted, worn out
Hecat, Hecate (n.)[pron: 'hekat, 'hekatee] Greek goddess of the underworld; associated with magic, ghosts, witchcraft
Helen (n.)woman renowned for her beauty, whose abduction from the Greeks by Paris of Troy caused the Trojan War
Helen (n.)woman renowned for her beauty, whose abduction from the Greeks by Paris of Troy caused the Trojan War
hempen (adj.)in clothing made of hemp, rustically attired
henchman (n.)squire, page of honour
Hercules (n.)[Roman form of Heracles] proverbial for his mythical physical strength and miraculous achievements
Hercules (n.)[Roman form of Heracles] proverbial for his mythical physical strength and miraculous achievements
hie (v.)hasten, hurry, speed
Hiems (n.)[pron: 'hiyemz] winter [personified]
hight (v.)[archaism] is called
hind (n.)female deer
Hippolyta (n.)[pron: hi'polita] queen of the Amazons
hold (v.)keep, maintain, observe
hold (v.)keep, maintain, observe
hold up (v.)continue, keep going, carry on
homespun (n.)wearer of home-made clothing, rustic, yokel
honest (adj.)honourable, respectable, upright
humour (n.)fancy, whim, inclination, caprice
change (v.)exchange, trade
changeling (n./adj.)child taken by fairies, stolen child
changeling (n./adj.)child taken by fairies, stolen child
changeling (n./adj.)child taken by fairies, stolen child
chaplet (n.)garland, wreath
charm (v.)produce, bring, cause [as by magic]
charmed (adj.)bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell
chase (n.)pursuit, sequence, hunt
cheer (n.)face, look, expression
cheer (n.)face, look, expression
cheer (v.)encourage, urge on, galvanize
chide (v.), past form chidbrusquely command, drive [away] with harsh words
chide (v.), past form chidquarrel, wrangle, fight
chide (v.), past form chidscold, rebuke, reprove
chide (v.), past form chidscold, rebuke, reprove
chide (v.), past form chidscold, rebuke, reprove
chiding (n.)barking, brawling, angry noise
childing (adj.)fertile, fruitful, teeming
choir, quire (n.)company, group, assembly
chough (n.)jackdaw
chronicle (v.)enter into a chronicle, record in history
idle (adj.)useless, barren, worthless
ill (adj.)bad, adverse, unfavourable
ill (adv.)badly, adversely, unfavourably
ill (adv.)badly, adversely, unfavourably
illusion (n.)deception, delusion, deceit
imbrue, embrue (v.)pierce, stab, stain with blood
immediately (adv.)directly, instantly, without delay
impeach (v.)discredit, disparage, call into question
incorporate (adj.)united in one body, combined in one entity
increase (n.)produce, growth, yield, crop
injury (n.)insult, affront, slight
injury (n.)insult, affront, slight
intelligence (n.)information, news, communication
intent (n.)intention, purpose, aim
intent (n.)intention, purpose, aim
intent (n.)intention, purpose, aim
interlude, enterlude (n.)short play, theatrical performance [staged to fill an interval]
interlude, enterlude (n.)short play, theatrical performance [staged to fill an interval]
issue (n.)child(ren), offspring, family, descendant
jealousy (n.)suspicion, mistrust, apprehension
Jove (n.)[pron: johv] alternative name for Jupiter, the Roman supreme god
juggler (n.)trickster, deceiver, fraud
juvenal (n.)youth, young man
keen (adj.)sharp, cutting, severe
key (n.)accord, rapport, mind
kind (n.)respect, regard, particular
kind (n.)breed, lineage, stock, family
knack (n.)trifle, knick-knack, ornament
knavery (n.)roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
knavery (n.)roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
knavery (n.)roguish trick, rouguery, trickery
knot-grass (n.)species of creeping weed
know (v.)acknowledge, remember, think [of]
lakin (n.)variant of 'lady' [Our Lady]
lanthorn (n.)lantern
large, atat length, in full, thoroughly
latch (v.)fasten, secure; or: moisten [leach]
leathern (adj.)leather-like
leviathan (n.)sea-monster, whale
like (adv.)likely, probable / probably
Limander (n.)malapropism for Leander
linger (v.)delay, put off, keep waiting
little (adj.)[of voices] small, tiny
livery (n.)uniform, costume, special clothing
livery (n.)uniform, costume, special clothing
lob (n.)clown, country lout, yokel
lodestar (n.)guiding star, beacon
look when (conj.)whenever, as soon as
lose (v.)lose sight of, forget
love in idlenesspansy
loveshaft (n.)love-causing arrow
made (adj.)with success assured, with fortune made
making (n.)physical appearance, bodily form, build
mantle (n.)loose sleeveless cloak
margent (n.)margin, edge, border
mark (n.)birthmark, discolouration, blemish
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
mark (v.)note, pay attention [to], take notice [of]
marry (int.)[exclamation] by Mary
marry (int.)[exclamation] by Mary
marry (int.)[exclamation] by Mary
marvellous (adv.)very, extremely, exceedingly
marvellous (adv.)very, extremely, exceedingly
maze (n.)arrangement of paths, network of tracks
mazed (adj.)bewildered, confused, perplexed
mead (n.)meadow
mean (v.)lament, mourn, make complaint
mechanical (n.)manual worker, craftsman, menial
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
methinks(t), methought(s) (v.)it seems / seemed to me
mew (v.)coop up, confine, shut up
mimic (n.)burlesque actor, performer, thespian
minimus (n.)tiniest of creatures, insignificant being
misgraffed (adj.)badly grafted, ill-matched, unsuited
misprised (adj.)mistaken, misguided, erroneous
misprision (n.)mistake, error, misunderstanding, misconception
momentany (adj.)momentary, transitory, fleeting
monstrous (adv.)exceedingly, wonderfully, extraordinarily
mood (n.)anger, fury, frenzy, fit of temper
morn (n.)morning, dawn
morn (n.)morning, dawn
morris, nine men'sarea marked out in squares for playing nine men's morris [a type of open-air game using nine ‘men’ on each side]
morrow (n.)morning
morrow (n.)morning
mote (n.)speck of dust, tiny particle, trifle
mural (n.)[disputed reading: mure all] wall
murrion (adj.)infected with plague [murrain], diseased
Muse (n.)one of the nine goddesses in Greek mythology, the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who gave artistic inspiration; also called the Helicons, as they lived on Mt Helicon
mutual (adj.)common, general, omnipresent
naught, nought (n.)wickedness, immorality, sinfulness
neaf (n.)fist, clenched hand
nearly (adv.)closely, particularly, especially
neeze (v.)sneeze
NeptuneRoman water-god, chiefly associated with the sea and sea-weather
NeptuneRoman water-god, chiefly associated with the sea and sea-weather
nightly (adj.)of the night, active at night
night-rule (n.)night-time activity, nocturnal diversion
Ninus (n.)[pron: 'niynus] founder of the Assyrian city of Nineveh
nole (n.)noddle, head
nothing (n.)[state of] nothingness, oblivion, extinction
nymph (n.)beauty, damsel, siren
O (n.)circle, orb, sphere
obscenely (adv.)malapropism possibly for ‘seemly’
observation (n.)observance, rite, customary practice
offence (n.)damage, injury, harm
office (n.)task, service, duty, responsibility
oft (adv.)often
oft (adv.)often
orange-tawny (adj.)dull yellowish brown
orb (n.)fairy ring, circle
orient (adj.)lustrous, brilliant, bright
original (n.)point of origin, cause, source
ounce (n.)lynx
ousel, woosel (n./adj.)blackbird
outsleep (v.)sleep beyond [a time], sleep in
overbear (v.)overrule, overcome, put down
overbear (v.)overwhelm, overcome, overpower
overcharged (adj.)overburdened, overtaxed, overwrought
overlook (v.)look over, peruse, read through
overwatch (v.)stay up late, remain awake
owe (v.)own, possess, have
pageant (n.)show, scene, spectacle, tableau
pain (n.)effort, endeavour, exertion, labour
pale (n.)fenced land, park, enclosure
palpable-gross (adj.)obviously clumsy, plainly ignorant
paramour (n.)malapropism for ‘paragon’
pard (n.)panther, leopard
park (n.)hunting ground
parlous (adj.)perilous, dangerous, hazardous
part (n.)quality, attribute, gift, accomplishment [of mind or body]
parted (adj.)divided, unfocused, indistinct
partition (n.)wall, dividing structure; also: section of a learned book
passing (adv.)very, exceedingly, extremely
passion (n.)passionate outburst, emotional passage
passion (n.)passionate outburst, emotional passage
passion (n.)fit of anger, feeling of rage
pat (adv.)precisely, just, exactly
pat (adv.)spot on, on the dot, very timely
patent (n.)privilege, right, title
patch (n.)fool, clown; rogue, knave
patched (adj.)wearing a patchwork costume, multi-coloured
paved (adj.)with a paved base, pebbled
pease (n.)peas
peck (n.)heap, quantity, measure [a quarter of a bushel]
pelting (adj.)paltry, petty, worthless, insignificant
pensioner (n.)gentleman of the royal bodyguard
peradventure (adv.)perhaps, maybe, very likely
perforce (adv.)forcibly, by force, violently
perforce (adv.)of necessity, with no choice in the matter
perforce (adv.)of necessity, with no choice in the matter
perforce (adv.)of necessity, with no choice in the matter
perchance (adv.)perhaps, maybe
perchance (adv.)perhaps, maybe
perchance (adv.)perhaps, maybe
Perigenia (n.)[pron: peri'jenia] daughter of a robber, Sinnis; loved by Theseus
period (n.)rhetorical pause, sentence ending, termination
persever (v.)persevere, persist, keep at it
person (n.)fine figure, personality
persuasion (n.)conviction, principle, opinion
pert (adj.)lively, brisk, sprightly
Phillida (n.)['filida] traditional name given to a love-sick shepherdess
Philomel, Philomela (n.)[pron: 'filomel] daughter of Pandion, king of Athens; Tereus raped her and cut out her tongue, but she told the tale in her embroidery; the gods turned her into a nightingale after she took her revenge
Phoebe (n.)one of the titles of the Roman goddess of the Moon
Phoebus (n.)[pron: 'feebus] Latin name for Apollo as the sun-god; also called Phoebus Apollo
pick (v.)extract, make out, detect
pity (n.)bad thing, sad fate, calamity [for]
plainsong (adj.)lacking ornament, melodically simple
point (n.)summit, apex, highest point
point (n.)trifle, triviality, minor matter; punctuation mark
pomp (n.)pageant, ceremony, procession
possessed (adj.)propertied, affluent, provided for
potion (n.)poison, deadly drink
power (n.)force, strength, might
power (n.)faculty, function, ability
prefer (v.)promote, advance, recommend
preposterously (adv.)out of the normal course of events, unnaturally, perversely
presently (adv.)immediately, instantly, at once
prettily (adv.)cleverly, ingeniously; or: charmingly
prevailment (n.)prevailing action, power, influence
prey (n.)preying, violence, devouring
princess (n.)paragon, sovereign form, ideal
Procrus (n.)[pron: 'prohkrus] mispronunciation of Procris, legendary Greek lover whose love for her husband Cephalus was tragically harmed through his jealousy
prodigious (adj.)ominous, portentous, promising evil
proper (adj.)good-looking, handsome, comely
property (n.)(plural) stage requisites, accessories, props
proud (adj.)swollen, high, in flood
purple-in-grain (adj.)dyed bright red
purpose (n.)intention, aim, plan
Pyramus (n.)lover of Thisbe; kept apart by their parents, they talked through a crack in their dividing wall; arriving at a rendezvous, Pyramus found Thisbe’s cloak stained with blood from a lion’s prey; thinking she had been killed by a lion
quail (v.)overpower, destroy, make an end
quaint (adj.)pretty, attractive, lovely
quaint (adj.)intricate, elaborate
quantity (n.)equal amount, same proportion
quell (v.)kill, destroy, slay
quern (n.)hand-mill for grinding corn
quick (adj.)living, vital, full of life
quill (n.)musical pipe, voice, note
rail (v.)rant, rave, be abusive [about]
rarely (adv.)splendidly, beautifully, excellently
rate (n.)worth, value, merit
rebuke (v.)repress, put down, check
recreant (n.)coward, faint-hearted individual
rehearse (v.)pronounce, speak, utter
remembrance (n.)memory, bringing to mind, recollection
remembrance (n.)memory, bringing to mind, recollection
rent (v.)rend, tear, pull to pieces
repair (v.)come, go, make one's way
reprehend (v.)reprove, censure, rebuke
reremouse (n.)bat
respect (n.)regard, admiration, favour, opinion
respect (n.)regard, admiration, favour, opinion
revenue (n.)income, yield, profit
rheumatic (adj.)with symptoms of rheum [watery discharge], catarrhal, cold-like
rid (v.)manage, conduct, control
right (adj.)typical, true, classic
right (adv.)just, precisely
ringlet (n.)fairy dance in a ring, circle dance
ripe (adj.)ready, fully prepared
ripe (adj.)red and full like ripe fruit
ripe (v.)ripen, mature
round (n.)circle dance, ring
round (n.)circle dance, ring
round (v.)ring, encircle, surround
roundel (n.)dance in a circle
rude (adj.)uncivilized, uncultivated, unrefined
rude (adj.)[of wind or water] stormy, turbulent, harsh
rude (adj.)ignorant, unlearned, uneducated
russet-pated (adj.)with reddish-brown head; or: grey-headed
sad (adj.)serious, grave, solemn
sad (adj.)serious, grave, solemn
sad (adj.)serious, grave, solemn
sad (adj.)serious, grave, solemn
sad (adj.)dismal, morose, sullen
sanded (adj.)sandy-coloured
scape, 'scape (v.)escape, avoid
scape, 'scape (v.)escape, avoid
scene (n.)stage, performing area
scrip (n.)script, text
seal (n.)pledge, promise, token, sign
sealing day (n.)day for confirming a contract, wedding-day
sea-maid (n.)mermaid, sea-nymph
sensible (adj.)sensitive, responsive, capable of feeling
set (v.)rate, stake, gamble
set against (v.)be hostile to, make an attack on
set on (v.)encourage, urge, incite
several (adj.)separate, different, distinct
shadow (n.)spirit, phantom, spectre, ghost
Shafalus (n.)mispronunciation of Cephalus, son of Deion
shaping (adj.)imaginative, inventive, creative
sheen (n.)brightness, shining, radiance
shivering (adj.)shattering, splintering
shrewd (adj.)shrewish, bad-tempered, difficult
shrewd (adj.)wily, cunning, mischievous
schooling (n.)admonition, reproof, counsel
sick (adj.)full of loathing, full of repugnance
sight (n.)eye
simpleness (n.)unpretentiousness, unaffected behaviour, unassuming simplicity
simplicity (n.)innocence, harmlessness, guilelessness
simplicity (n.)sincerity, unpretentiousness, artlessness
since (adv.)ago
sinister (adj.)left
Sisters Threealternative name for the Fates
skill (n.)discernment, discrimination, capacity to perceive
small (adj.)high-pitched, fluting, thin
snuff, inin need of snuffing out; also: in a rage
soft (int.)[used as a command] not so fast, wait a moment, be quiet
sojourn (v.)travel, journey, go to stay
solemnity (n.)celebration, jubilation, festivity
solemnity (n.)celebration, jubilation, festivity
solemnly (adv.)ceremoniously, with ritual celebration
something (adv.)somewhat, rather
something (adv.)somewhat, rather
sometime (adv.)formerly, at one time, once
sometime (adv.)sometimes, now and then
sometime (adv.)sometimes, now and then
sooth (n.)truth [in exclamations, emphasizing an assertion]
sooth (n.)truth [in exclamations, emphasizing an assertion]
sort (n.)class, level, social rank
sort (n.)class, level, social rank
sort (n.)pack, crowd, gang
sort (n.)pack, crowd, gang
sort (v.)suit, be fitting, be appropriate
sort (v.)turn out, fall out, come about
soul (n.)driving force, animating principle
spare (v.)avoid, shun, keep away from
Sparta (n.)city of Peloponnesia, S Greece
spend (v.)expend, express, give vent to
sphere (n.)celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
sphere (n.)celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
sphere (n.)celestial globe in which a heavenly body was thought to move, orbit
sphery (adj.)star-like, heavenly, celestial
spinner (n.)spider, cranefly, daddy-longlegs
spite (n.)annoyance, vexation, irritation
spite (n.)annoyance, vexation, irritation
spleen (n.)temper, spirit, passion [part of the body seen as the source of both gloomy and mirthful emotions]
spleen (n.)impulse, caprice, whim
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)recreation, amusement, entertainment
sport (n.)sexual recreation, intercourse, amorous dalliance
sport (n.)subject of sport
spotted (adj.)stained, blemished
spring (n.)first moment, dawn, break
spurn (v.)kick, strike, stamp [on], dash
spurn (v.)kick, strike, stamp [on], dash
spurn (v.)kick, strike, stamp [on], dash
square (v.)quarrel, fall out, disagree
squire (n.)lad, fellow, youngster
stand (v.)stand still, stop, cease moving
stand upon (v.)depend on, rely upon, hinge on
stand upon (v.)make an issue of, insist upon, bother about
starve (v.)withhold [from], diet, be sparing with
stay (v.)wait (for), await
stealth (n.)stealing away, furtive journey, clandestine act
step (n.)limit, distance, reach
stepdame, step-dame (n.)stepmother
still (adv.)constantly, always, continually
still (adv.)constantly, always, continually
still (adv.)constantly, always, continually
still (adv.)constantly, always, continually
still (adv.)constantly, always, continually
stop (n.)[in managing a horse] pulling-up, sudden checking of a career
stop (n.)full-stop, period, full point
straight (adv.)straightaway, immediately, at once
straight (adv.)straightaway, immediately, at once
stranger (n.)foreigner, alien, outsider
study (n.)preparation, learning, memorizing [of a part]
sucking (adj.)unweaned, suckling
sunder (v.)separate, split up, part
surgeon (n.)doctor, physician
swain (n.)[contemptuous] rustic, yokel, fellow
sweet (adj.)perfumed, scented, fragrant
sympathy (n.)accord, agreement, harmony
take (v.)take in, comprehend, understand
take on (v.)behave, act; or: rage, rant
tale (n.)false rumour, story, tittle-tattle
tall (adj.)good, fine, capable
tarry (v.)stay, remain, linger
tarry (v.)stay, remain, linger
Tartar (n.)someone from Tartary, C Asia; known for pitilessness; also, a stereotype of dark complexion
Tartar (n.)someone from Tartary, C Asia; known for pitilessness; also, a stereotype of dark complexion
Taurus (n.)[pron: 'tawrus] Turkish mountain range
tell (v.)count out, number, itemize
tender (n.)offer, offering
Thebes (n.)[theebz] city-state in Boeotia, SE Greece; associated with wisdom and learning
Theseus (n.)[pron: 'theesius] legendary king of Athens; killer of the Minotaur; he conquered the Amazons and married their queen, Hippolyta
Thessalian (adj.)[pron: the'saylian] of Thessaly, ancient region of NE Greece
Thessaly (n.)['thesalee] ancient region of NE Greece
thickskin, thick-skin (n.)brutishly built, dullard, blockhead
Thisbe (n.)[pron: 'thizbee] lover of Pyramus
Thracian (adj.)[pron: 'thraysian] of Thrace; region of ancient NE Greece associated with the worship of Dionysus
throstle (n.)thrush
throw (v.)throw off, cast, discard
thrum (n.)unwoven end of a warp-thread on a loom
tide (v.)[= betide] come, befall
tiring-house (n.)dressing-room, theatrical green room
title (n.)[legal] right, claim, entitlement
toil (v.)exhaust, tire out, fatigue
tongs (n.)type of simple metal musical instrument
touch (n.)act, action, deed
touch (v.)achieve, accomplish, attain
toward (adv.)impending, forthcoming, in preparation
toy (n.)foolish story, old wives' tale
trace (v.)range over, pass through, traverse
trader (n.)trading ship, merchant vessel
translate (v.)change, transform, alter
translate (v.)change, transform, alter
translate (v.)change, transform, alter
transported (adj.)carried off, taken away
transpose (v.)change, transform, alter
trim (adj.)fine, excellent, smart
triumph (n.)public festivity, pageant, display of celebration, tournament
triumphantly (adv.)as in a festive pageant, with great celebration
troth (n.)truth, good faith
troth, good troth (n.)exclamations, emphasizing an assertion - truly, indeed
true (adj.)honourable, virtuous, sincere
tuneable (adj.)tuneful, musical, melodious
tuneable (adj.)tuneful, musical, melodious
turn (v.)change, transform, alter
unbreathed (adj.)unpractised, inexperienced, inexpert
uncouple (v.)release pairs of hunting dogs for the chase
undistinguishable (adj.)unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
undistinguishable (adj.)unrecognizable, undetectable, impossible to pick out
unfold (v.)display, reveal, show
unheedy (adj.)unheedful, headstrong, reckless
utter (v.)emit, exhale, discharge
vantage (n.)advantageous position, place of vantage, superiority
vaward (n.)foremost part, front line, vanguard
vein (n.)style, manner
Venus (n.)planet particularly associated with love, beauty, and fertility
Venus (n.)planet particularly associated with love, beauty, and fertility
Venus (n.)Roman goddess of beauty and love
vestal (n.)woman vowed to chastity, virgin, priestess
vexation (n.)agitation, disturbance, turmoil
videlicet (adv.)[pron: vi'deliset] namely
villagery (n.)villages
virtue (n.)essence, heart, soul
virtue (n.)quality, accomplishment, ability
virtue (n.)quality, accomplishment, ability
virtuous (adj.)potent, powerful, efficacious
visage (n.)face, countenance
visage (n.)face, countenance
voice (n.)support, approval, good word
votaress (n.)woman under vow, votary, devotee [of an order]
votaress (n.)woman under vow, votary, devotee [of an order]
waggish (adj.)playful, mischievous, impish
wandering (adj.)[astrology] having its own motion
want (n.)lack, shortage, dearth
want (v.)lack, need, be without
want (v.)lack, need, be without
want (v.)require, demand, need
wanton (adj.)sexually hot, passionate, sportive
wanton (adj.)luxuriant, flourishing, lush, profuse in growth
wanton (n.)wilful creature, obstinate individual
warrant (v.)protect, preserve, keep safe
wash (v.)make damp, moisten, wet
waste (v.)pass, spend, while away
wasted (adj.)spent, consumed, burnt-out
waxen (v.)increase, grow
weak (adj.)of little worth, wanting, deficient
weed (n.)(plural) garments, dress, clothes
weed (n.)garment, piece of clothing
welkin (n.)sky, firmament, heavens
whole (adj.)unbroken, sound, intact
will (n.)desire, wish, liking, inclination
wit (n.)intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
wit (n.)intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
wit (n.)intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
wit (n.)intelligence, wisdom, good sense, mental ability
wither out (v.)cause to dwindle, make less
withhold (v.)detain, keep in possession
witness (v.)bear witness to, attest, testify to
witty (adj.)intelligent, ingenious, sensible
wont (v.)be accustomed, used [to], be in the habit of
wont (v.)be accustomed, used [to], be in the habit of
wont (v.)be accustomed, used [to], be in the habit of
wonted (adj.)accustomed, usual, customary
wonted (adj.)accustomed, usual, customary
wood (adj.)mad, wild, furious
woodbine (n.)honeysuckle
woodbine (n.)bindweed, convolvulus
worm (n.)serpent, snake
wot (v.)learn, know, be told
wot (v.)learn, know, be told
wretchedness (n.)humble people, the poor, the lowly
wrong (n.)insult, offence, slight
yielder (n.)one who gives up, conceder
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