Policy and Polysemy : A Case Study of 'Silly' in Chaucer

Author / Editor
Dor, Juliette.

Title
Policy and Polysemy : A Case Study of 'Silly' in Chaucer

Published
A. J. Tops, Betty Devriendt, and Steven Geukens, eds. Thinking English Grammar: To Honour Xavier Dekeyser, Professor Emeritus (Leuven: Peeters, 1999), pp. 33-40.

Description
Lexicographical information on sely is inconsistent and often based on the assumption that there was no historical overlap between "pious-good" and "foolish-simple." Chaucer's uses of the term capitalize on uncertainty of tone in LGW, making it difficult to determine whether love's martyrs are silly or holy.

Alternative Title
Thinking English Grammar: To Honour Xavier Dekeyser, Professor Emeritus.

Chaucer Subjects
Language and Word Studies.
Legend of Good Women.