Christmas song (M[15],d; 16,a to c). Prof. Manly omits this precious production; perhaps rightly in view of his text being prepared for class-room use; the E.E.T. Society's issue gives it as a matter of course, as do I.
Church, "a church here beside," etc. (M[28],b), i.e. the abbey larder should provide the requisite cheer.
Church-stile, "on the church stile" (M[26],a), a stile in, or leading to, the precincts of the church.
Chwas (passim), I was—'ch was.
Clarify, "This question to clarify" (M[5],a), make clear or intelligible, answer, clear up. "A word to you I wold claryfy."—Towneley Myst., p. 67.
Clash, "at clash and cards" (IP[338],b), bawdy talk, gossiping, tittle-tattle, quarrelling. "Good Lord! what fiery clashings we have had lately for a cap and a surplice!"—Howell, Lett. (1644-45), iv. 29.
Clawback, "you flearing clawback you" (R[188],a), lickspittle, flatterer. The whole passage is a striking early instance of sarcastic vituperation, and the gradual piling up of the weight of abuse.
Clean, "a clean gentleman" (M[22],a), fair, comely, noble: a general appreciative. "With the clennest cumpanye that euer king ladde."—Will. of Paleren (c. 1360), 1609.
Clepe, "if I should clepe to memory" (N[45],a), call. "I shall inwardly clepe the Lord."—Wycliffe, Psalm xvii. 4.