Lollard: (possibly from Dutch, 'mumbler') Lollards were heretics in the 1300s and 1400s associated with a variety of causes including (1) translation of the scripture into English, (2) the right of women to preach and/or teach scripture, (3) denial of special priestly monopoly on scriptural interpretation, (4) John Wycliff's doctrines regarding consubstantiation versus transubstantiation. Accusations of Lollardy, especially under Arundel's Constitutions, typically resulted in the heretic being burnt at the stake. In particular, women were vulnerable to charges of Lollardy if they spoke up concerning religious matters, preached, or taught, since orthodox medieval doctrine took the verses in 1 Timothy 2:11 quite seriously regarding female subordination. Several female medieval writers such as Margery Kempe were accused of this heresy--though interestingly her contemporary and her spiritual advisor, Julian of Norwich, was not. Chaucer's Harry Bailey states that he 'smells a Lollard' when the Parson rebukes him for cursing. In more recent literature, T. H. White adapts Lollardy as an anachronism in The Once and Future King, where he associates them with discontent social groups like the fictional 'thrashers' and with the real-world proto-communist doctrines of the revolutionary John Ball. See heresy for extended discussion.

 

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Lollard: (possibly from Dutch, 'mumbler') Lollards were heretics in the 1300s and 1400s associated with a variety of causes including (1) translation of the scripture into English, (2) the right of w . . . View Full Definition

Peasants Revolt: Also known as Wat Tyler's Rebellion, this uprising occurred in 1387 when lower-class Londoners and workers from the surrounding areas, fed up with repressive government measures such as the . . . View Full Definition

Heresy: (from Greek, 'choice') A 'mistaken' or heterodox religious belief, i.e., one that does not agree with traditional teachings of the Roman Catholic church. In Middle English writings, heresy i . . . View Full Definition