# Glossary explained — The Decameron

> Chapter companion for The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio.

## What happens

A glossary of archaic and obscure terms used throughout the Decameron, providing modern definitions for words such as 'Alegresse,' 'Algates,' 'Assoiled,' and 'Ywis.'

## Key lines

> Alegresse Joy.

Alegresse means joy.

_Simple definition of a French-derived term._

> Assoiled Absolved, set free of.

Assoiled means absolved or set free from something.

_Religious or legal context of absolution._

> Nigromancer Necromancer.

Nigromancer is an alternate spelling of necromancer, one who practices magic involving the dead.

_Reflects medieval fascination with the occult._

> Stale Urinate.

Stale is an archaic verb meaning to urinate.

_Obsolete bodily function term._

> Ywis Certainly.

Ywis means certainly or indeed.

_Common Middle English adverb of affirmation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se/chapters/glossary
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_decameron_se/chapters