Chaucer's Friar : 'Typet' and 'Semycope'

Author / Editor
Hodges, Laura F.

Title
Chaucer's Friar : 'Typet' and 'Semycope'

Published
Chaucer Review 34: 317-43, 2000.

Description
Viewed in both historical and literary contexts, the Friar's "typet" (probably a shoulder cape with a deep hood) and his "semycope" (a short cloak) show that he is breaking sumptuary laws for his fraternal order. That he also dresses in the finest wool connotes a "wolf in sheep's clothing."

Chaucer Subjects
Friar and His Tale.
General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.