Etymology and Wordplay in Medieval Literature

Etymology and Wordplay in Medieval Literature Synopsis

Opening with a background chapter describing classical and medieval developments of etymology and wordplay, this book presents case studies of the uses of etymology and wordplay in a number of medieval literatures (Latin, Old French, Middle High German, Italian, Old Irish, Old English, Old Norse, Old Czech and Old Polish). The articles expand their discussions beyond strictly etymological discourse to various aspects of medieval literature, and thereby highlight the functions of etymological devices in various contexts, with significance ranging from the specific to the open-ended, from the bawdy to the sublime.