A Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

"A Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases" by Christopher Corèdon is a unique reference for understanding some of the language of medieval Britain. Designed to help the non-specialist reader, it includes many Latin, Old and Middle English terms which are often used in modern histories of the period but which may be unfamiliar or misunderstood. 308 pages long, it includes over 3,400 terms relating to all aspects of medieval life, from the political, administrative and ecclesiastical to more mundane terms for food and drink, and for various trades and professions.

The amount of space allocated to each entry varies depending on the importance of the term. Some (e.g. 'castellan', 'fewterer' and 'garret') are given but a single line, while for others (e.g. 'chivalry' or 'scutage') there is something more akin to an encyclopedia entry. In all cases, however, the definition is given both clearly and concisely; no space is wasted and no entry is allowed to occupy more than half a page. Note is made in specific cases where the meaning of a term changed over the course of time; often, too, the origins of the word are given, and pointers are supplied to similar topics within the Dictionary.