The words we speak today are more than just tools for communication—they are threads that weave together centuries of history. From the medieval period to modern times, countless words have taken on new lives, their meanings shaped and reshaped by the changing tides of culture and society. This article invites you to explore 100 medieval words that have undergone remarkable transformations, offering a glimpse into the fascinating journey of the English language through time.
1. Girl – Originally, in Middle English, girl or gyrl referred to a young person of either gender.
2. Fond – This word originally meant “foolish” or “naive” in Middle English, later shifting to mean “affectionate” or “loving.”
3. Mansion – In Middle English, mansioun referred to a stopping place or lodging, not a grand house.
4. Quaint – Once meaning “clever” or “ingenious” in Middle English, queynte now typically means “charmingly old-fashioned.”
5. Prevent – In Middle English, preventen meant “to go before” or “to anticipate,” not necessarily to stop something from happening.
6. Husband – Derived from the Old Norse husbondi, meaning “master of a house,” it has evolved to mean a married man.
7. Awful – In Middle English, awful meant “full of awe” or “inspiring reverence,” whereas today it generally means “very bad.”
8. Craven – Once meaning “defeated” or “crushed,” craven now refers to someone cowardly.
9. Crafty – In Middle English, crafty meant “skilled” or “ingenious,” now it often implies cunning or deceit.
10. Dread – In Middle English, drede could mean “reverence” or “awe,” as well as fear.
11. Bead – In Middle English, bede referred to a prayer, not the small objects used to make necklaces. This connection stems from prayer beads.
12. Brave – Brave in Middle English often meant “showy” or “splendid,” rather than courageous.
13. Stool – Originally, stol referred to any kind of seat, including a throne, not just the small, simple piece of furniture we think of today.
14. Leech – In Middle English, leche referred to a physician or healer, not just the bloodsucking worm.
15. Deliver – In Middle English, deliveren could mean to rescue or free someone, as well as to physically carry something.
16. Boon – Bone in Middle English meant “prayer” or “favour,” and only later evolved into its modern sense of a benefit or blessing.
17. Boot – In Middle English, bot meant “remedy” or “compensation,” not just footwear.
18. Tide – Tide in Middle English referred to time or a season, rather than the movement of water.
19. Rest – Resten in Middle English could also mean “remainder,” rather than just relaxation or sleep.
20. Timber – Timber referred to all kinds of wood, not just large pieces used for construction.
21. Can – In Middle English, cunnen meant “to know” or “to have knowledge,” rather than simply being able to do something.
22. Naughty – In Middle English, naughti meant “having nothing” or “worthless,” evolving to mean morally bad and later playful misbehaviour.
23. Liberal – Liberal in Middle English meant “generous” or “bountiful,” rather than its modern political associations.
24. Black – In Middle English, blak could mean “pale” or “colourless,” as well as dark.
25. Pine – In Middle English, pinen meant “to suffer” or “to waste away,” not just to long for something.
26. Dainty – In Middle English, deynte referred to something valuable or rare, not just small or delicate.
27. Craft – Craft meant “strength” or “skill,” not necessarily handmade items or deceitfulness.
28. Harbinger – Herbergeour in Middle English referred to someone who provided lodging or shelter, not a forerunner or sign.
29. Host – Hoste in Middle English meant an army or large group, not just someone who entertains guests.
30. Virtuous – In Middle English, vertuous could mean powerful or effective, not just morally upright.
31. Start – In Middle English, sterten often meant “to jump” or “leap,” not just to begin something.
32. Wretch – In Middle English, wrecche could mean an outcast or exiled person, not necessarily a pitiable one.
33. Warden – Wardein in Middle English meant a guardian or keeper, often of property or land.
34. Shirt – Shirte referred to an undergarment, not the main clothing item we think of today.
35. Sooth – Soth meant “truth” or “reality,” not just something archaically poetic.
36. Thrill – Thirlen in Middle English meant “to pierce” or “to penetrate,” not the feeling of excitement.
37. Scrip – In Middle English, scrippe referred to a small bag or pouch, not a written document.
38. Passion – In Middle English, passioun referred specifically to suffering, often in the context of Christ’s crucifixion.
39. Sad – Sad in Middle English meant “serious” or “firm,” not necessarily unhappy.
40. Leisure – Leiser in Middle English referred to freedom from obligations, not specifically relaxation or free time.
41. Garnish – Garnissen referred to equipping or fortifying something, not just decorative food items.
42. Fare – Faren referred to travelling or journeying, not specifically the cost of transport.
43. Lad – Ladd in Middle English often referred to a servant or attendant, not just a young boy.
44. Abide – Abiden in Middle English meant to wait or remain, with no modern implication of enduring something unpleasant.
45. Bug – In Middle English, bugge referred to a spectre or ghost, not an insect.
46. Hale – Hale in Middle English meant “healthy” or “whole,” often in a physical sense.
47. Blush – In Middle English, bluschen could mean to shine or glow, not just to redden with embarrassment.
48. Gloss – Glos in Middle English referred to an explanatory note or commentary, not the shine or lustre of a surface.
49. Humour – In Middle English, humour referred to bodily fluids in the medical theory of humours, not amusement or wit.
50. Cunning – Conning in Middle English meant “knowledgeable” or “skilled,” not deceitful.
51. Drift – Drifte in Middle English referred to an intentional act or effort, not a gradual movement.
52. Quiet – Quiete in Middle English referred to rest or freedom from disturbance, not just silence.
53. Clear – Cler in Middle English often referred to brightness or clarity of light, not just transparency or understanding.
54. Crop – Crop in Middle English referred to the top or sprout of a plant, not the yield of a harvest.
55. Grim – Grim in Middle English meant fierce or formidable, not just gloomy or depressing.
56. Relief – Relief in Middle English meant the act of raising up or lifting something, not just alleviation of discomfort.
57. Spill – Spillen in Middle English meant “to destroy” or “kill,” not just to cause a liquid to escape.
58. Soon – Sone in Middle English meant “immediately” or “at once,” not just “in the near future.”
59. Laugh – Lauhen in Middle English also carried the sense of scoffing or mocking, not just joy.
60. Horrible – Horrible in Middle English meant something that inspired fear or dread, not necessarily something unpleasant or awful.
61. Familiar – Familier in Middle English meant “intimate” or “close,” not just well-known.
62. Dole – Dole referred to a portion or share, often of food or goods, not just sadness or government handouts.
63. Glad – Glade in Middle English could mean bright or shining, as well as joyful.
64. Faint – Feint in Middle English referred to weakness or lack of strength, not just losing consciousness.
65. Humble – Humble in Middle English meant lowly or insignificant in status, not necessarily modest.
66. Ill – Ille in Middle English meant morally evil or wicked, not necessarily physically sick.
67. Clout – Clout in Middle English referred to a piece of cloth or patch, not influence or power.
68. Gait – Gate in Middle English referred to a way or path, not a manner of walking.
69. Yield – Yelden in Middle English meant to repay or give back, not just to produce or surrender.
70. Score – Score in Middle English referred to a notch or tally, later evolving to mean a numerical record.
71. Bark – Bark in Middle English referred to a small ship or boat, not just the outer covering of a tree or a dog’s sound.
72. Wave – Wave in Middle English referred to moving water or a body of water, not a hand gesture.
73. Luxury – In Middle English, luxurie referred to lust or sinful indulgence, not just opulent living.
74. Livid – In Middle English, lividus meant bluish or discoloured, often from bruising, rather than extreme anger.
75. Clumsy – In Middle English, clumsen meant to become numb or stiff, not uncoordinated.
76. Daft – Daft in Middle English meant mild or gentle, not foolish.
77. Arrogant – Arrogant referred to making a claim or assumption, not necessarily pride or overconfidence.
78. Ruin – Ruine referred specifically to the collapse of buildings or structures, not a general state of devastation.
79. Gentle – Gentil referred to someone of noble birth, not just someone kind or mild.
80. Alienate – Alienen in Middle English meant to transfer property or rights, not to isolate someone socially.
81. Flatter – Flateren originally meant to stroke or caress, later evolving into insincere praise.
82. Handsome – Handesome meant “easy to handle” or “convenient,” not attractive.
83. Kindle – Kindlen meant to give birth or create life, not just to ignite a fire.
84. Bride – Bryd in Middle English referred to any woman in a wedding, not necessarily the one being married.
85. Worship – Worshipe referred broadly to honour or respect, not only religious reverence.
86. Timber – Timber referred to all kinds of wood, not specifically large pieces used in construction.
87. Fool – Fole often referred to a jester or entertainer, not just someone lacking sense.
88. Simple – Simpel referred to being humble or pure, not lacking intelligence.
89. Alien – Alien referred to a foreigner or outsider, not extraterrestrial beings.
90. Mean – Mene referred to middle or intermediate, not cruel or unkind.
91. Evil – Yfel referred to anything harmful or bad, not specifically moral wickedness.
92. Rest – Resten also meant remainder, not just relaxation or sleep.
93. Naked – Naked referred broadly to being bare or exposed, often metaphorically.
94. Hoard – Hord referred to hidden treasure, not just an accumulation of items.
95. Pregnant – Pregnant could mean full of potential or ideas, not exclusively related to childbirth.
96. Evil – Yfel referred to anything harmful or bad, not specifically moral wickedness
97. Dream – Dreme could mean joy or music, as well as visions during sleep.
98. Charm – Charm referred to magic spells or incantations, not just general attractiveness.
99. Wit – Wit referred to intelligence or knowledge, not just a sense of humour.
100. Crafty – Crafty meant “skilled” or “ingenious,” not necessarily deceitful.
Language is a bridge between past and present, carrying with it the weight of history and the potential for future change. The evolution of these 100 medieval words reminds us that words are never static—they grow, adapt, and reflect the world around them. As we continue to speak, write, and create, we are contributing to the ever-changing story of language, shaping meanings for generations to come.
Online Sources
For readers who want to dive deeper into the fascinating world of etymology and medieval language, here are some recommended sources:
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) – An essential resource for exploring the historical meanings and etymology of English words.
Online Etymology Dictionary – A comprehensive and user-friendly tool for tracing the evolution of English words.
Middle English Dictionary – An invaluable resource for studying the vocabulary and language of the Middle Ages.
The Dictionary of Old English – A scholarly resource from the University of Toronto that provides definitions and usage examples for Old English words.
The words we speak today are more than just tools for communication—they are threads that weave together centuries of history. From the medieval period to modern times, countless words have taken on new lives, their meanings shaped and reshaped by the changing tides of culture and society. This article invites you to explore 100 medieval words that have undergone remarkable transformations, offering a glimpse into the fascinating journey of the English language through time.
1. Girl – Originally, in Middle English, girl or gyrl referred to a young person of either gender.
2. Fond – This word originally meant “foolish” or “naive” in Middle English, later shifting to mean “affectionate” or “loving.”
3. Mansion – In Middle English, mansioun referred to a stopping place or lodging, not a grand house.
4. Quaint – Once meaning “clever” or “ingenious” in Middle English, queynte now typically means “charmingly old-fashioned.”
5. Prevent – In Middle English, preventen meant “to go before” or “to anticipate,” not necessarily to stop something from happening.
6. Husband – Derived from the Old Norse husbondi, meaning “master of a house,” it has evolved to mean a married man.
7. Awful – In Middle English, awful meant “full of awe” or “inspiring reverence,” whereas today it generally means “very bad.”
8. Craven – Once meaning “defeated” or “crushed,” craven now refers to someone cowardly.
9. Crafty – In Middle English, crafty meant “skilled” or “ingenious,” now it often implies cunning or deceit.
10. Dread – In Middle English, drede could mean “reverence” or “awe,” as well as fear.
11. Bead – In Middle English, bede referred to a prayer, not the small objects used to make necklaces. This connection stems from prayer beads.
12. Brave – Brave in Middle English often meant “showy” or “splendid,” rather than courageous.
13. Stool – Originally, stol referred to any kind of seat, including a throne, not just the small, simple piece of furniture we think of today.
14. Leech – In Middle English, leche referred to a physician or healer, not just the bloodsucking worm.
15. Deliver – In Middle English, deliveren could mean to rescue or free someone, as well as to physically carry something.
16. Boon – Bone in Middle English meant “prayer” or “favour,” and only later evolved into its modern sense of a benefit or blessing.
17. Boot – In Middle English, bot meant “remedy” or “compensation,” not just footwear.
18. Tide – Tide in Middle English referred to time or a season, rather than the movement of water.
19. Rest – Resten in Middle English could also mean “remainder,” rather than just relaxation or sleep.
20. Timber – Timber referred to all kinds of wood, not just large pieces used for construction.
21. Can – In Middle English, cunnen meant “to know” or “to have knowledge,” rather than simply being able to do something.
22. Naughty – In Middle English, naughti meant “having nothing” or “worthless,” evolving to mean morally bad and later playful misbehaviour.
23. Liberal – Liberal in Middle English meant “generous” or “bountiful,” rather than its modern political associations.
24. Black – In Middle English, blak could mean “pale” or “colourless,” as well as dark.
25. Pine – In Middle English, pinen meant “to suffer” or “to waste away,” not just to long for something.
26. Dainty – In Middle English, deynte referred to something valuable or rare, not just small or delicate.
27. Craft – Craft meant “strength” or “skill,” not necessarily handmade items or deceitfulness.
28. Harbinger – Herbergeour in Middle English referred to someone who provided lodging or shelter, not a forerunner or sign.
29. Host – Hoste in Middle English meant an army or large group, not just someone who entertains guests.
30. Virtuous – In Middle English, vertuous could mean powerful or effective, not just morally upright.
31. Start – In Middle English, sterten often meant “to jump” or “leap,” not just to begin something.
32. Wretch – In Middle English, wrecche could mean an outcast or exiled person, not necessarily a pitiable one.
33. Warden – Wardein in Middle English meant a guardian or keeper, often of property or land.
34. Shirt – Shirte referred to an undergarment, not the main clothing item we think of today.
35. Sooth – Soth meant “truth” or “reality,” not just something archaically poetic.
36. Thrill – Thirlen in Middle English meant “to pierce” or “to penetrate,” not the feeling of excitement.
37. Scrip – In Middle English, scrippe referred to a small bag or pouch, not a written document.
38. Passion – In Middle English, passioun referred specifically to suffering, often in the context of Christ’s crucifixion.
39. Sad – Sad in Middle English meant “serious” or “firm,” not necessarily unhappy.
40. Leisure – Leiser in Middle English referred to freedom from obligations, not specifically relaxation or free time.
41. Garnish – Garnissen referred to equipping or fortifying something, not just decorative food items.
42. Fare – Faren referred to travelling or journeying, not specifically the cost of transport.
43. Lad – Ladd in Middle English often referred to a servant or attendant, not just a young boy.
44. Abide – Abiden in Middle English meant to wait or remain, with no modern implication of enduring something unpleasant.
45. Bug – In Middle English, bugge referred to a spectre or ghost, not an insect.
46. Hale – Hale in Middle English meant “healthy” or “whole,” often in a physical sense.
47. Blush – In Middle English, bluschen could mean to shine or glow, not just to redden with embarrassment.
48. Gloss – Glos in Middle English referred to an explanatory note or commentary, not the shine or lustre of a surface.
49. Humour – In Middle English, humour referred to bodily fluids in the medical theory of humours, not amusement or wit.
50. Cunning – Conning in Middle English meant “knowledgeable” or “skilled,” not deceitful.
51. Drift – Drifte in Middle English referred to an intentional act or effort, not a gradual movement.
52. Quiet – Quiete in Middle English referred to rest or freedom from disturbance, not just silence.
53. Clear – Cler in Middle English often referred to brightness or clarity of light, not just transparency or understanding.
54. Crop – Crop in Middle English referred to the top or sprout of a plant, not the yield of a harvest.
55. Grim – Grim in Middle English meant fierce or formidable, not just gloomy or depressing.
56. Relief – Relief in Middle English meant the act of raising up or lifting something, not just alleviation of discomfort.
57. Spill – Spillen in Middle English meant “to destroy” or “kill,” not just to cause a liquid to escape.
58. Soon – Sone in Middle English meant “immediately” or “at once,” not just “in the near future.”
59. Laugh – Lauhen in Middle English also carried the sense of scoffing or mocking, not just joy.
60. Horrible – Horrible in Middle English meant something that inspired fear or dread, not necessarily something unpleasant or awful.
61. Familiar – Familier in Middle English meant “intimate” or “close,” not just well-known.
62. Dole – Dole referred to a portion or share, often of food or goods, not just sadness or government handouts.
63. Glad – Glade in Middle English could mean bright or shining, as well as joyful.
64. Faint – Feint in Middle English referred to weakness or lack of strength, not just losing consciousness.
65. Humble – Humble in Middle English meant lowly or insignificant in status, not necessarily modest.
66. Ill – Ille in Middle English meant morally evil or wicked, not necessarily physically sick.
67. Clout – Clout in Middle English referred to a piece of cloth or patch, not influence or power.
68. Gait – Gate in Middle English referred to a way or path, not a manner of walking.
69. Yield – Yelden in Middle English meant to repay or give back, not just to produce or surrender.
70. Score – Score in Middle English referred to a notch or tally, later evolving to mean a numerical record.
71. Bark – Bark in Middle English referred to a small ship or boat, not just the outer covering of a tree or a dog’s sound.
72. Wave – Wave in Middle English referred to moving water or a body of water, not a hand gesture.
73. Luxury – In Middle English, luxurie referred to lust or sinful indulgence, not just opulent living.
74. Livid – In Middle English, lividus meant bluish or discoloured, often from bruising, rather than extreme anger.
75. Clumsy – In Middle English, clumsen meant to become numb or stiff, not uncoordinated.
76. Daft – Daft in Middle English meant mild or gentle, not foolish.
77. Arrogant – Arrogant referred to making a claim or assumption, not necessarily pride or overconfidence.
78. Ruin – Ruine referred specifically to the collapse of buildings or structures, not a general state of devastation.
79. Gentle – Gentil referred to someone of noble birth, not just someone kind or mild.
80. Alienate – Alienen in Middle English meant to transfer property or rights, not to isolate someone socially.
81. Flatter – Flateren originally meant to stroke or caress, later evolving into insincere praise.
82. Handsome – Handesome meant “easy to handle” or “convenient,” not attractive.
83. Kindle – Kindlen meant to give birth or create life, not just to ignite a fire.
84. Bride – Bryd in Middle English referred to any woman in a wedding, not necessarily the one being married.
85. Worship – Worshipe referred broadly to honour or respect, not only religious reverence.
86. Timber – Timber referred to all kinds of wood, not specifically large pieces used in construction.
87. Fool – Fole often referred to a jester or entertainer, not just someone lacking sense.
88. Simple – Simpel referred to being humble or pure, not lacking intelligence.
89. Alien – Alien referred to a foreigner or outsider, not extraterrestrial beings.
90. Mean – Mene referred to middle or intermediate, not cruel or unkind.
91. Evil – Yfel referred to anything harmful or bad, not specifically moral wickedness.
92. Rest – Resten also meant remainder, not just relaxation or sleep.
93. Naked – Naked referred broadly to being bare or exposed, often metaphorically.
94. Hoard – Hord referred to hidden treasure, not just an accumulation of items.
95. Pregnant – Pregnant could mean full of potential or ideas, not exclusively related to childbirth.
96. Evil – Yfel referred to anything harmful or bad, not specifically moral wickedness
97. Dream – Dreme could mean joy or music, as well as visions during sleep.
98. Charm – Charm referred to magic spells or incantations, not just general attractiveness.
99. Wit – Wit referred to intelligence or knowledge, not just a sense of humour.
100. Crafty – Crafty meant “skilled” or “ingenious,” not necessarily deceitful.
Language is a bridge between past and present, carrying with it the weight of history and the potential for future change. The evolution of these 100 medieval words reminds us that words are never static—they grow, adapt, and reflect the world around them. As we continue to speak, write, and create, we are contributing to the ever-changing story of language, shaping meanings for generations to come.
Online Sources
Oxford English Dictionary (OED) – An essential resource for exploring the historical meanings and etymology of English words.
Online Etymology Dictionary – A comprehensive and user-friendly tool for tracing the evolution of English words.
Middle English Dictionary – An invaluable resource for studying the vocabulary and language of the Middle Ages.
The Dictionary of Old English – A scholarly resource from the University of Toronto that provides definitions and usage examples for Old English words.
Also, check out The Oxford History of English, by Lynda Mugglestone.
Top Image: National Library of Wales – MS NLW 5016D
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts