Chaucer's 'Reeve's Tale,' I, 4096 and 4127: More Word-Play

Author / Editor
Regan, Charles Lionel.

Title
Chaucer's 'Reeve's Tale,' I, 4096 and 4127: More Word-Play

Published
American Notes and Queries 22 (1984): 97-99.

Description
Chaucer's reference in RvT 4096 to "make a clerkes berd" (i.e., "cheat") may be echoed a few lines later in the oath "by seint Cutberd" (line 4127), suggesting terms for shaving and castration.

Chaucer Subjects
Reeve and His Tale.