bedstraw: a plant of the genus Galium
corody: a pension or allowance provided by a religious house permitting the holder to retire into the house as a boarder; purchased for cash or by a donation of land or property
fulling mill: a mill that cleanses, shrinks and thickens (fulls) cloth by means of water and pestles or stampers
houppelande: men’s attire; a flowing gown, often floor length and slit up to thigh level to ease walking, but sometimes knee length; sleeves large and open
lady chapel: a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, usually situated at the east end of the church
leman: mistress
liberty: an area of the city not subject to royal administration; for example, the Liberty of St. Peter is the area surrounding the minster which comes under the archbishop’s jurisdiction
mazer: a large wooden cup
minster: a large church or cathedral; the cathedral of St. Peter in York is referred to as York Minster
nones: between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. (varied with seasons)
pandemain: the finest quality white bread, made from flour sifted two or three times
Petercorn: income supporting St. Leonard’s hospital, dependent on the harvest (Peter’s corn)
prime: between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. (varied with seasons)
routiers: see Author’s Note
sext: noon
solar: private room on upper level of house
trencher: a thick slice of brown bread a few days old with a slight hollow in the center, used as a platter