Filed In:
Glossaries and Medieval Word Lists
Even modern English contains numerous obscure terms pertaining to medieval studies. These glossaries offer definitions of common and uncommon words frequently used in the study of the Middle Ages.
NetSERF's Hypertext Medieval Glossary
Massive collection of more than 1,400 terms on every aspect of medieval life, concisely explained, accompanied by citations of sources, and linked to associated terms when appropriate. Exceedingly well-done by Beau A.C. Harbin.
Guide to Medieval Terms
Extensive, evolving list of terms, edited by J. S. Arkenberg at the ORB and based on the Feudal Terms by Michael Adams that originated in 1988. Hint: allow the page to load completely before using the alphabetical hyperlinks.
The Knighthood, Chivalry & Tournaments Glossary
Huge, extensively-hyperlinked glossary of chivalric terms used throughout the history of knighthood, plus entries for significant places, battles, literary works, and people. Some SCA-info also included but clearly noted
Medieval Resources
Six one-page glossaries, suitable for printing or downloading, cover castle, chivalric, cooking, ecclesiastical, feudal, and manorial terminology. Presented by T. J. Ray.
Medieval English Towns Glossary
From abatement to withernam, a selection of significant terms concerned with medieval urban history, compiled by Stephen Alsford at his Medieval English Towns website.
Arms and Armor Glossary of Terms
An extensive hyperlinked glossary of arms and armor terms at the Chronique library.
All About All Crusades: Glossary of (Castle & Church) Terms
This very nicely-presented glossary by Hans Doeleman at All About All Crusades includes an interactive graphic of a generic fortified castle.
Castle Terms
List of short definitions for many of the terms associated with medieval castles, all on one page, lightly hyperlinked to pages with images and more information.
A Gothic Field Guide
Useful and nicely-presented glossary of Gothic architectural terms, many illustrated by graphics, is presented in three pages by stone carver Joe Chiffriller at NewYorkCarver.com.
Historical-Fencing Terminology
Nice collection of glossaries, including medieval, Renaissance and rapier fencing terminology, offer terms for the concepts, components and techniques of fencing as well as explanations of the various weapons used in historical periods.
Pimbley's Dictionary of Heraldry
First published in 1908, Pimbley's Dictionary of Heraldry remains a useful and accurate reference for heraldic terms. Pimbley's Dictionary of Heraldry is in the public domain, and you may copy, download, print and distribute the work as you see fit.