Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Glossary

apace

rapidly

tarry

leave slowly and hesitantly

stout

small in stature but with rugged physical strength

assay

a test

guerdon

a reward or payment

aghast

struck with fear or surprise

melee

riotous fight

haughty

showing arrogant superiority

adjure

command solemnly

recreant

having deserted a principle or cause

roister

engage in boisterous behavior

mischance

an unpredictable, unfortunate outcome

scythe

an edge tool for cutting grass

demure

politely refuse

feign

make believe with the intent to deceive

tryst

a secret rendezvous, usually a romantic one

adroit

deft or skilled

covetous

desiring of something belonging to somebody else

largesse

wealth

renown

well-known, famous