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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Check out this new Radio 4 'Word of Mouth' episode on the influence of Anglo-Norman on Modern English. We were very happy to help the programme makers with our advice on the subject! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Word of Mouth - How the Normans changed the way we speak - BBC Sounds

Michael Rosen explores the impact of the Norman invasion on the English language.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

We apologize for the recent periods of downtime affecting the dictionary. The technical issues should now be resolved, and we thank you for your patience while we worked to restore the service.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

"... a personal touch to the work that has gone into the project" So what can be discovered in the Anglo-Norman Dictionary archives, among the early drafts, private correspondence and funding applications? A new blogpost offers some insights: anglo-norman.net/materials-fr...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

"Some cards are still within the original envelopes that were sent for review by the scholars who created them." Blogpost #4 looks in closer detail at some of the original index cards in the archives of the Anglo-Norman Dictionary: anglo-norman.net/index-cards-...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

"the organisation was not consistent throughout the entire collection. This presented us with a challenge ...?" Here is blogpost#3 from the Archivist Project working on the AND's historical materials and correspondence: anglo-norman.net/challenges-o...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

"Some had labels, but primarily the exact contents were a mystery to us." The second blogpost on exploring the AND archives is now available here: anglo-norman.net/the-process-...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Meet the team of Archive Masters Students of Aberystwyth University digging into the history of the AND! Their first post is now availabale on our blog: anglo-norman.net/overview-of-...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The AND archives project! Over the past four months, a team of six Archive Masters students at Aberystwyth University has examined and organised more than 25 large boxes of materials relating to the making of the Anglo-Norman Dictionary - some dating back to the 1940s. @aberuni.bsky.social

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

At the end of this week we say goodbye to Delphine Demelas, who takes up a lectureship in Digital Humanities at the University Southampton.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

The AND's own transcriptions of 13 unpublished Anglo-Norman texts (including religious narratives, a legal treatise and language manuals) are now also accessible through the Oxford Text Archive. hdl.handle.net/20.500.14106...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

The AND has found the Holy Grail! Or at least, after much digging, the first Anglo-Norman attestation of the term: anglo-norman.net/entry/grael_2

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

NEW FEATURE!: From today you can use a new tool that searches all AND entries via headwords from all of its 9 cognate dictionaries! For example, you want to know which AND entry is equivalent to the Oxford English Dictionary’s 'to discover'?

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

FUNDING!! We’re delighted to say that the AND project has received a new AHRC grant! For the next four years we’ll be working on the completion of the Second Edition - not just the revision of V- (our final letter!), but also an overall consolidation (and expansion!) of all entries (A-Z).

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Our best of thanks to Morgane Coirault and Emma Cavell who visited the AND project during February and March! Morgane worked as an intern to the editorial work and Emma produced transcriptions of previously unpublished Anglo-Norman texts. It was a joy to work together!

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

📜 📣 Wach, wach! The Second Edition of the W– and X- are now accessible online!

A screenshot of the entry wach on the Anglo-Norman Dictionary website, explaining the meaning of the interjection as 'Aha, aha!', sneer, expression of gloating triumph'.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

#LoveYourDataWeek! Exploring Anglo-Norman in its multilingual context? Almost every AND entry link is now clickable, providing direct access to French, English, and Latin cognate dictionaries in a more user-friendly format. Try it out and tell us what you think!

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 28/11/2024

Messages like this give us the strength to continue our daily editorial task. Many thanks Marisa for your support! #medievalsky

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

We all know that the Anglo-Norman Dictionary is resourceful, but are you familiar with all of the platform's search options? ⬇️🧵 #medievalsky #DH #academicsky

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

📜 If you're in the Oxford area in January and want to learn more about the medieval French of England, don't miss Jocelyn Wogan-Browne's talk! #medievalsky

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 31/10/2024

WOTD: maligne espirit, loc. ‘evil spirit, demon’ ‘espirt maligne en son cheval Entrira par enchantement.’ S Greg 2446 (an evil spirit will take possession of his horse by sorcery) Beware of the evil spirits, and Happy Halloween! ➡️ tinyurl.com/2erfvhdm #Halloween

Image: The devils' Council (Paris, BnF, Français 91 f.1). source: https://portail.biblissima.fr/ . This medieval illumination depicts a vivid and chaotic scene of demons and tortured souls. On the left side, a council of devils convenes in a rocky, infernal landscape. The central demon, standing atop a two-headed beast, wields a staff as he addresses the other grotesque creatures, who listen attentively. The figures are menacing, with exaggerated faces, horns, and twisted bodies.
On the right side, the image shifts to a hellish portrayal of human suffering. Demons are shown tormenting humans in various ways: some victims are bound and led away, while others are attacked by demonic creatures. The setting is a mix of dark rocky terrain and twisted structures. The entire scene serves as a graphic illustration of punishment and chaos, emphasizing the manuscript’s moral and religious message about sin and damnation.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/10/2024

WOTD: planete, s. ‘planet’ ‘set planetes Sunt al firmament […] Ceo est Saturnus e Jubiter, Mars, Solail e pus Venus, Mercurius, Lune’ RAUF ANTS 295 (seven planets are up in the sky […] They are Saturn and Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, then Venus, Mercury and the Moon) #SpaceWeek 1/2

Image: Astronomer(s) (Paris, BnF, Français 134 f.169). Source: https://portail.biblissima.fr/ . This medieval illumination depicts a group of three scholars dressed in brightly colored robes and hats, observing a celestial sphere representing the Earth. The Earth is surrounded by stars and a deep blue background, with a detailed depiction of a cityscape on its surface, symbolizing medieval cosmological understanding. The figures stand outdoors amidst foliage, looking thoughtfully at the globe as if discussing astronomical theories. The intricate decorations around the frame and the French script below suggest that the scene comes from a manuscript related to cosmology or geography.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 04/10/2024

WOTD: scolemestre, s., ‘schoolmaster, teacher’ ‘.ij. scolemaisters, l'un pur enfourmer les ditz queresters en musyk et l'autre en gramer’ Rot Parl1 iv 249 (two teachers, one to teach the said choristers music and the other grammar.) ➡️ tinyurl.com/3dsb4scb #teachersday

Image: Saint Jerome paying his professor (France, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Latin 1 f.3v). Source : https://portail.biblissima.fr/ .
This medieval illumination depicts Saint Jerome in two different scenes. On the left, Jerome, identified by his halo, is leaving a city gate and gesturing towards a ship on the water, symbolizing his journey. The ship, with several passengers visible, has its sail unfurled, indicating readiness for travel. The city architecture is detailed, showing fortified walls, towers, and a statue of a Roman goddess. On the right, Jerome is seated outside a different city and appears to be handing a coin to a bearded figure holding a book, symbolizing the payment for his education. The colors are vibrant, with rich reds, blues, and gold accents.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 22/09/2024

WOTD: gain, s., ‘autumn, harvest season’ weins frois et sechs si resemble […] melancolie Psalter Comment 109.89 (autumn is cold and dry ; it is similar to […] black bile) ➡️ anglo-norman.net/ent... #autumn

Saison : automne/Season: autumn (Paris, BnF, Français 9140 f.186v). Source: https://portail.biblissima.fr/ . In this medieval representation of autumn, we see two people: one picking apples and the other grappes.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 19/09/2024

WOTD: ‘levé’, pp as a., leavened: ‘pur le pantrie […] vous achatés du payn non pas chaufenous, mes de bon payne levee’ Man lang ANTS 5.12 (For the pantry […] you will not buy mouldy bread but good leavened one) ➡️ More info: www.anglo-norman.net... #sourdoughseptember

Image: Habacuc transportant des vivres pour Daniel/Habakkuk carrying supplies for Daniel (France, Tours, Bibliothèque municipale, Ms. 13 f. 086). Source: https://portail.biblissima.fr/

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 03/05/2024

📖New publication by @delphinedemelas.bsky.social, one of our editors: 'La Chanson d'Otinel. Édition critique du remaniement anglo-normand (fin XIIe siècle), ed. Delphine Demelas (Brepols May 2024)' ➡️ www.brepols.net/products/IS-... #medieval #AngloNorman

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 25/04/2024

Today, we offer you a salty saga from #medieval England. According to an #AngloNorman chronicle, in 1325: ‘En cel temps la meer surmontoit l’eawe de Thamise qe fust salee, par quei moltz des gentz se pleignoient de la cervoise qe fu salee’ Anon Chr2 122 1/3

[Illustration: Repas - Tirage du vin (France, Abbeville. Bibliothèque municipale, Ms. 16 f. 015v)]

This image is a medieval manuscript illumination with vibrant colors and gold accents. It is divided into three main panels:
The top panel shows a pair of feet in blue hosiery, suggesting a figure just out of view.
The central panel features two men working; one is pouring wine from a barrel into a container, while the other holds a jug and appears to be assisting or waiting to receive the liquid.
The bottom right panel shows an architectural feature resembling a window with two figures inside sitting at a table eating a meal
Each panel is adorned with elaborate borders and decorative elements typical of medieval manuscripts. There is text above and below the central panel written in Latin.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 22/04/2024

𝙒𝙊𝙏𝘿: terre, ‘world, earth as a sphere or planet’ esteiles reials Que apellum 'principals', Que en latin numuns Planetes par raisuns. La terre dedenz pent. Comput ANTS 2801 #EarthDay #WOTD 1/2

[Illustration: Allegory of the Earth (Paris, BnF, Grec 1208 f.200)]

In the medieval illumination, we see a central figure dressed in royal blue robes, seated amidst a lush garden. Surrounding this central character are three other figures, each engaged in different activities. The background is luxurious garden in a golden expanse, reminiscent of celestial light. It bathes the scene in a glow. One figures is climbing on a tree, one other is pouring water on the ground with a large vessel and a third one, a women half naked, stirs the soil with her hands.

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 16/04/2024

🗣️ Tresjoius, tresbenigne and treslas au terce! We're very happy to say that after almost three years of work, the Second Edition of the letter T- has now been published online! 1805 new and revised entries freely available on 🔽 anglo-norman.net/entry/t #DigitalHumanities #medieval #AngloNorman

anglo-norman.net

Anglo-Norman Dictionary

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 28/03/2024

𝙒𝙊𝙏𝘿: mandé 'washing of feet' If you ever wondered where the phrase 'Maundy Thursday' comes from, the answer is Anglo-Norman. ➡️To learn more: anglo-norman.net/ent...

[Illustration: Reconciliation of penitents on Maundy Thursday (France, Besançon. Bibliothèque municipale, Ms. 138 f. 120)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 27/03/2024

📚𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗼-𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 G. De Wilde (2021) ‘Towards Completing the Second Edition of the Anglo-Norman Dictionary’. 🧵⬇️ 1/4

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 22/03/2024

🔔Medievalsky, the updated versions of U- and Y- are here! The 2nd edition of these sections, published in 2014 & 2008, has been expanded with new citations, senses, locutions and additional entries. As a #digital and flexible resource, the AND continues to grow. ➡️ anglo-norman.net

anglo-norman.net

Anglo-Norman Dictionary

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 21/03/2024

Happy #InternationalPoetryDay and the official start of #Spring in the Northern Hemisphere! To celebrate, how about some 13th C. Anglo-Norman verse inspired by Spring: ⬇️ 1/3

[Illustration: Climate : rain (France, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, NAL 1673 f.95v)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 19/03/2024

𝙒𝙊𝙏𝘿: travailler, ‘to work ; take exercise’ "Ki ke veut sa santé garder Devant mangier estuit travailler" Secr ABERNUN 1881 (Whoever wants to stay in shape has to exercise before eating) 1/2

[Illustration: Sports, Great Britain : England (France, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Français 22971 f.9v)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 15/03/2024

Today Medievalsky, let’s explore the Anglo-Norman Pisces horoscope: "Qant la lune est en Pisce. Piscis est une signe commune, freyde e moyste, fleumatik, de la nature de ewe. Donke est il bone oure a vendre, e achater, la mer entrer e passer... 1/5

[Illustration : Zodiac : Pisces (Paris, BnF, Latin 7330 f.33v)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/03/2024

Pur feme veil tendre mun gaunt Countre seus ki les countralient E ki vers eus nul mal en dient. Si veil devenir lur proveour. Digby 86 23 (I am always ready to defend women and challenge anyone who attack them and who speak badly of them. I want to become their accuser).

[Illustration: Mary fighting the devil while an angel holds baby Jesus, Taymouth Hours, c.1325–40: Yates Thompson MS 13, f. 155v.]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 28/02/2024

𝙒𝙊𝙏𝘿: trover, to fabricate, make up facts plusors unt sovent trové et conté com troveurs dont descord [...] ad esté sovent entre le rey e son pople Stats i 35 1/2

[illustration : Betis et Cassiel jouant au roi qui ne ment (France, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Français 12565 f.59)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 19/02/2024

Aquarius: Tree-Planting, Solid-Building, and Leg-Injury-Avoiding Medievalsky, today, let’s explore the Anglo-Norman Aquarius horoscope: When the moon is in Aquarius. Aquarius est une signe ferme, chaude e moyste e sanguinien, de la nature de le heyr. 1/4

[Illustration: Cosmography diagrams (Paris, BnF, Espagnol 30 II); date: 1375]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 16/02/2024

Medievalsky, new 4 years funded UKRI PhD studentship 'Learning Anglo-French: French Language-Learning Manuscripts in Britain' at the University of Exeter. Interdisciplinary project drawing on medieval French in Britain, book history, linguistics & digitalhumanities. 📆25/03 tinyurl.com/msdra4ak

tinyurl.com

Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter

French in medieval Britain was both a language of culture and a second vernacular. This unusual situation makes it a key case study for grasping how multilingual societies work, yet the nature and met...

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 14/02/2024

La dameisele l’esgarda, Amur un dart li enveia, Qui forment l’anguisse e sumunt Que s’amur a Melander dunt.  (Proth ANTS 8834) (The lady looked at him, Love sent her an arrow, Which confused her deeply and affected her so much That she gave her love to Melander.)

[Illustration: Love shooting arrows at two lovers (France, Dijon. Bibliothèque municipale, Ms. 526 f. 004)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 05/02/2024

Medievalsky, Discover the 'name' label – Brand new feature on The Anglo-Norman Dictionary website. Discover the use of Anglo-Norman words in Johannes le Chaloner, Alexander le Espicer, Robertus le Payour and others with the click of a button. 1/5

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 01/02/2024

“La recherche est animée par la joie de la découverte et par les progrès. Or, la consultation du dictionnaire approprié, l’Anglo-Norman Dictionary (AND), nous gâche maint plaisir, car c’est un très bon dictionnaire. 1/4

[Illustration: Heart in front of the Pleasure tapestry, (France, Paris. Bibliothèque nationale de France, Département des manuscrits, Français 24399 f.114)]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 30/01/2024

𝙒𝙊𝙏𝘿: rund, ‘spherical, ball-shaped’. Ciel et mer et terre rounde S Laur ANTS 469 (the sky, the sea and round earth) Le mund est ront cum polete Rom 15 (Dd.10.31) 258.120 (the earth is round like a ball) 1/2

Illustration: Creation of the Earth (France, Paris. Bibliothèque Mazarine, Ms 313 f. 004v)

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 25/01/2024

𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗼-𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 D. Trotter (2013): 'Deinz certeins boundes: Where does Anglo-Norman begin and end?' This article explores the porous boundaries between Anglo-Norman and other languages in medieval England, focusing on Latin and Middle English. 1/4

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 22/01/2024

Capricorn women horoscope : Headache, Loose Teeth, but Wealthy According to your Anglo-Norman horoscope: "Femme né en Capricorno [...] avera grant peyn en sa teste e en le[s] bras. En la teste ou en le frunt ele avera une signe. 1/7

[Illustration: Capricorn (France, Lyon. Bibliothèque municipale, Ms 5140 f. 013v) 1420-1435]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 19/01/2024

Capricorn men : the medieval snacking serial killers ⬇️ Capricorn men, acording to your 14th C Anglo-Norman horoscope : ‘Homme né en Capricorno de bon colour serra. [...] Il irra par plusurs terys. 1/7

[Illustration: Saturn, Capricorn and Aquarius (France, Angers. Bibliothèque municipale, Rés. SA 3390, f. 069) 1493]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 14/01/2024

♑ Capricorn: your medieval gardening tips Capricorn, according to your Anglo-Norman horoscope : ‘Quant la lune est en Capricorno. Capricornus est une signe commune, freyde e sek, malancolien, de la nature de la tere. 1/4

[Illustration : Constellation, Capricorne (France, Lyon. Bibliothèque municipale, Ms 172 f. 047) 15th C]

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Anglo-Norman Dictionary @a-ndictionary.bsky.social · 08/01/2024

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: renoveler, ‘to restart, begin anew’. We chose this word as representative of the accomplishments of our team in 2023. 1/4

Phoenix rising from its ashes (France, Amiens, Bibliothèques d'Amiens Métropole, Ms. 399 f. 144v), 1447

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