Shakespeare's Glossary
Shakespeare’s Glossary
Shakespeare’s choice of words not only reflect the presentation and style of his works, but also the common vernacular of the day. This is a woefully incomplete list of some of the words we come across in his chosen language and what they mean. If you come across a word that you’d like to have defined here, or you’d like to contribute to the glossary, send your word, where it appears in Shakespeare’s work, and, if you’re offering a definition, a brief definition of the word to david@vo2gogo.com. And thanks in advance for your contribution!
Alarums (uh-LAIR-umz): a warning, an alarm, or a call to arms.
anon (uh-NON): at once, immediately.
avaunt (uh-vaunt): away.
barm (barm): The foam atop a glass of alcoholic brew.
benison (BEH-nih-sun): a blessing or benediction.
caitiff (KAY-tiff): a despicable, cowardly person.
chough (chuff): a red-billed crow.
Exeunt (ex-ay-OONT): An exit from the stage made by more than one character.
Hautboys (HAWT-boyz): Used often in his stage directions, it is from the French haut-bois, or oboe.
jack-an-apes | jackanapes (JACK-an-ayps): Literally, a jackass of a person; an impudent jerk.
lanthorn (LANT-horn): An alternate spelling and pronunciation of lantern.
linsey-woolsey (LIN-zee WUHL-zee): A common cloth used to make clothing, a blend of wool and either cotton or linen.
neaf (neef): A hand or fist.
provender (PRAH-vin-der): Human food or animal feed.
quire (kwire): A stack of paper, 20 or so, and sometimes 1/20th of a ream (500 sheets).
quern (kwern): A device for milling and grinding grain.
sennet (SEN-nit): The signaling with a brass instrument the entrances and exits of characters.
videlicet (vih-DELL-uh-sit): A synonym for the phrase “to wit” or “that is” or the word “namely.” Used to signal the reader that an example is to follow.
welkin (WELL-kin): The heavens above, the sky, where angels dwell.
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