Goliard (Noun)
Meaning
A wandering scholar in medieval Europe; famed for intemperance and riotous behavior and the composition of satirical and ribald Latin songs.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The young cleric, tired of the monastic life, set out as a goliard, traveling from town to town and composing bawdy songs to entertain his fellow travelers.
- Medieval townspeople often viewed goliards with suspicion, as their reputation for intemperance and debauchery preceded them.
- The university at Paris was a hotbed of goliard activity, with scholars gathering to share their latest compositions and engage in raucous behavior.
- As a goliard, he wrote songs that mocked the clergy and the nobility, using his wit and sarcasm to comment on the social ills of his time.
- Despite their reputation for riotous behavior, many goliards were highly educated and skilled musicians, able to compose complex and beautiful melodies to accompany their satirical lyrics.