Christina Katsaras

According to the Oxford English dictionary the term “quaint” contains four different

meanings, three of them found prior to 1450. Of the three, one of them is a noun, one an

adjective, and one a verb. The first entry of “quaint” as a noun originated in English conversation

as a derogatory term for a woman’s genitals. There is a similarity to the term “cunt” in our

present language. The adjective entry of “quaint” comes from the Old French term “cointe.” The

dictionary’s definition of the adjective “quaint” is cunning and clever, as well as an elaborate

design or something created with elegance. Presently, the adjective “quaint” is used only to

describe objects that appear to have an old beauty such as a “quaint house.” Seldom do we see

“quaint” used as a way to describe a mischievous person. In “The Miller’s Tale” Chaucer writes,

“As clerkes ben ful subtile and ful queynte/And prively he caught hire by the queynte” (ll. 172-

173). In this passage, Chaucer uses “quaint” as a way to describe Nicholas as a witty individual

and determined to find a way to woo Alisoun, and he also uses “quaint” as a term for Alisoun’s

genitals as Nicholas grabs her between her legs. This impacts my understanding of the passage

because it not only defines what type of person Nicholas is but also demonstrates the sexual

humor of the tale.