He was a shrewe, and a greet market-betere.
Canterbury Tales
General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, describing the Wife of Bath's first husband. 'Shrewe' (scold) and 'market-betere' (one who beats at the market) are unusual and blunt descriptors of his character.
c. 1387-1400
Found in 1 providers: gemini
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"The smalest worm that crepeth by the weye, Is in his kynde as parfit as the grete."
Controversial"He was an outridere, that loved venerie; / A manly man, to been an abbot able."
Strange & Unusual"What is this world? what asketh men to have? Now with his love, now in his colde grave, Allone, withouten any compaignye."
Strange & Unusual"Mordre wol out, certeyn, it wol nat fayle."
Controversial"He was a janglere and a goliardeys, / And that was moost of synne and harlotries."
Strange & Unusual