Nurture
Central to The Babees Book, this term refers to a person's upbringing or training in proper manners, morals, and social grace. Etymologically, it comes from the Old French nourriture, meaning nourishment or upbringing, highlighting the connection between moral "feeding" and personal development.
Courtesie (Courtesy)
Polite and well-mannered behavior, especially suitable for a royal court or noble setting. This term derives from Old French courtoisie, rooted in cort meaning court, reflecting its origins in aristocratic culture.
Debonaire
Signifying gracious, courteous, and elegant demeanor. The word comes from Old French debonnaire, literally "of good disposition," showing the moral and aesthetic expectation of refined behavior.
Gentilesse
Denotes nobility of character or good breeding, emphasizing moral qualities over hereditary rank alone. From Old French gentilesse, rooted in gentil, meaning noble or high-born, but in Middle English it extends to virtuous character.
Churlish
The opposite of courteous; rude, boorish, or ill-mannered. Derived from Old English ceorl (a free peasant) with a sense of roughness or lack of refinement.
Keruynge (Carving)
The specialized skill of carving meat at the table, considered a mark of prestige and etiquette. From Old French carver, meaning to cut, reflecting its ceremonial importance in feasts.
Sewynge (Sewing / Serving)
Refers to serving food at the table rather than stitching cloth. Derived from Old English siwan, meaning to serve, showing the multifunctional use of the word in medieval households.
Squier
A young man of noble birth training to become a knight, often serving a lord directly. From Old French escuyer, meaning shield-bearer, originally denoting a military apprentice or attendant.
Panter
Officer in charge of the pantry and bread. The term comes from Old French panetier, derived from pain (bread).
Chaundeler
Officer responsible for candles and lighting. Derived from Old French chandelier, linked to chandelle (candle).
Ewer
Servant who brings a basin and pitcher of water for guests' handwashing. From Old French ewer, meaning a water pitcher or vessel.
Marchepane
Sweet confection akin to modern marzipan, often served at the conclusion of a feast. From Italian marzapane, reflecting culinary influence across medieval Europe.
Plesaunce
Anything pleasing or delightful, including conversation, objects, or atmosphere. From Old French plesance, meaning pleasure or agreeableness.
Gewgaws
Useless or showy trinkets, often ornamental rather than practical. Likely from Middle English gwegawe, reflecting whimsical or trivial items.
Kirtle
A tunic or gown, common medieval attire. From Old English cyrtel, representing a basic garment worn by men or women.
Leeche
A medical practitioner or doctor. From Old English læce, meaning healer, showing the early professional designation for medicine.
Rede
Counsel or advice. From Old English rǣd, emphasizing spoken guidance and wisdom.
Unkempt
Untidy or messy, originally meaning "not combed." From Old English uncȳmpt, combining the prefix un- with cȳmpt (combed or arranged), showing attention to appearance as a moral and social indicator.
