Shakespearean Glossary

Words commonly used in Shakespeare's plays and their meanings. Might be nice to have an example from the plays so students can see it in context.

Anew
Again.
 * "I will make him tell the tale anew" (Othello IV.i)

Anon
Soon.
 * "Get you away; I'll send for you anon" (Othello IV.i)

Art
Are

Coz
Cousin. "

Doth
Does

Dost
Does

Ere
Before

Filch
Steal

Hadst
Had

Hark
Look, pay attention to

Hast
Have

Hath
Have

Hereafter
Afterwards

Ho
Oi! Hey!

Is’t
Is it?

Lewd
Promiscuous

Mark
Take note of

Marry
By Mary (a mild oath)

Minx
Seductive woman

Moor
An African

Morrow
Morning

Ne’er
Never

O’er
Over

Oft
Often

Prithee
I pray thee (I wish you to)

Sirrah
Sir

Suit
Case or attempt at persuading

Ta’en
Taken

Thee
You

Thine
Your

Thou
You

Thy
Your

‘tis
It is

Shalt
Shall

Strumpet
Whore

Wert
Were it

Whence
Where

Wherefore
Why?

Wilt
Will it

Wit
Understanding, intelligence

Wrath
Anger, vengeance

Woo
Attempt to court

Worthy
Honest, true, good

Wouldst
Would

Zounds
God’s Wounds (an oath, pronounced zwounds.)