A Concise Dictionary of Middle English from A.D. 1150 to 1580
"A Concise Dictionary of Middle English from A.D. 1150 to 1580" by Rev. A. L. Mayhew and Rev. Walter W. Skeat is a linguistic reference work likely compiled in the late 19th century. The dictionary serves as a resource for scholars and students interested in Middle English, detailing the meanings and etymology of vocabulary from a critical period in the English language's development. The opening of this dictionary presents its objectives and context, explaining the necessity for a concise reference to Middle-English words during a time when existing texts were incomplete. Professor Skeat outlines the distinct approach of this work, which focuses on more accessible sources and aims to represent the specific literary language of Chaucer and similar authors. The preface also highlights the challenges learners face in understanding the variations in spelling and pronunciation of Middle-English, thus setting the stage for the extensive glossary that follows, which organizes words alphabetically along with definitions and historical context.