'Cum Grano Salis': A Note on the 'Prioress's Tale'

Author / Editor
Jember, Gregory K.

Title
'Cum Grano Salis': A Note on the 'Prioress's Tale'

Published
American Notes and Queries 15 (1977): 82-86.

Description
The use of the ambiguous word "greyn" in 7.662 indicates that Chaucer had more than one meaning in mind. One of the intentional referents probably was a grain of salt, because of the religious significance of salt. "Greyn" also suggests the seed, which illustrates the Christian concept of life through death.

Chaucer Subjects
Prioress and Her Tale.