Medieval History Glossary Terms Beginning with B
Medieval words and terms related to the Middle Ages, from B.C. to the Byzantine Empire.
B.C. (Before Christ)
The initials B.C. stand for Before Christ, the counterpart to A.D. and part of the dating system used in the Middle Ages.
The initials B.C. stand for Before Christ, the counterpart to A.D. and part of the dating system used in the Middle Ages.
Badge
The badge was a distinctive design.
The badge was a distinctive design.
Bailey
The bailey was part of a castle.
The bailey was part of a castle.
Bailiff
There are several different uses of the term Bailiff in the Middle Ages.
There are several different uses of the term Bailiff in the Middle Ages.
Ban
There are multiple meanings for the medieval term Ban.
There are multiple meanings for the medieval term Ban.
Banner
What a Banner looked like and who could carry one.
What a Banner looked like and who could carry one.
Banneret
A banneret was a knightly rank.
A banneret was a knightly rank.
Baptistry
The baptistry was part of a church. A definition from your Guide.
The baptistry was part of a church. A definition from your Guide.
Baron
In the Middle Ages, there was no specific rank associated with the term Baron.
In the Middle Ages, there was no specific rank associated with the term Baron.
Baronage
The baronage was part of the aristocracy.
The baronage was part of the aristocracy.
Barony
A barony was a parcel of land.
A barony was a parcel of land.
Barrow
Barrows were more common in the Iron Age than later, but a few date to the early Middle Ages.
Barrows were more common in the Iron Age than later, but a few date to the early Middle Ages.
Bastide
A bastide was a type of fortified town.
A bastide was a type of fortified town.
Bastille
A Medieval History glossary definition of the term Bastille, not to be confused with the famous Bastille prison.
A Medieval History glossary definition of the term Bastille, not to be confused with the famous Bastille prison.
Beadle
The beadle assisted the reeve.
The beadle assisted the reeve.
Benedictines
Benedictines followed the rule of St. Benedict.
Benedictines followed the rule of St. Benedict.
Benefice
The use of the term Benefice in ecclesiastical and feudal vocabulary.
The use of the term Benefice in ecclesiastical and feudal vocabulary.
Benefit of Clergy
Members of the clergy enjoyed a specific privilege known as Benefit of Clergy.
Members of the clergy enjoyed a specific privilege known as Benefit of Clergy.
Bishop
Bishops performed administrative duties as well as the duties of a priest.
Bishops performed administrative duties as well as the duties of a priest.
Bogomil
Bogomilism originated in Bulgaria.
Bogomilism originated in Bulgaria.
Boon-work
Boon-work usually referred to an obligation.
Boon-work usually referred to an obligation.
Borough
The meaning of the term Borough evolved through the Middle Ages.
The meaning of the term Borough evolved through the Middle Ages.
Bull
A definition of the papal bull.
A definition of the papal bull.
Burgess
A definition of the term Burgess from your Guide.
A definition of the term Burgess from your Guide.
Burgher
A burgher was different than a burgess.
A burgher was different than a burgess.
Buttery
What (or where) a buttery was. A definition from your Guide.
What (or where) a buttery was. A definition from your Guide.