Vilains taillables et corvéables à merci = Serfs taxable and workable at their lord’s will and pleasure.
Taille
Il est de taille à se défendre = He is big enough to defend himself.
“Ils nous ont fait une France à leur taille” (Béranger) = They have brought France down to their level.
Se tenant par la taille = With their arms round each other’s waists.
Frapper d’estoc et de taille = 1. To cut and thrust. 2. To hit right and left; To lay about one.
Talon
Il a l’esprit aux talons = He shines at the wrong end; He is not witty.
La bande se dispersa, les talons aux épaules = The gang took to their heels.
J’ai l’estomac dans les talons = I am very hungry.