Old English Words

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Date:

Instructions: Archaic English words and their meanings

1.
What does the archaic word 'forsooth' mean?
A
Forgive me
B
Be quiet
C
Farewell
D
In truth
2.
If someone were described as 'hale,' what would that mean?
A
Old and wise
B
Healthy and strong
C
Wealthy
D
Angry
3.
What does the old word 'fortnight' literally mean?
A
Fourteen nights
B
A castle at night
C
A strong night
D
Fourth night
4.
In old English, what did 'anon' mean?
A
Alone
B
Anonymous
C
Soon or shortly
D
Again
5.
What does the archaic word 'ere' mean?
A
Ever
B
Here
C
Before
D
Behind
6.
What does 'prithee' mean?
A
I promise thee
B
I pray thee (please)
C
I praise thee
D
I pity thee
7.
If something was described as 'betwixt,' where would it be?
A
Above
B
Underneath
C
In between
D
Behind
8.
What does the old word 'tarry' mean?
A
To cover with tar
B
To carry goods
C
To linger or wait
D
To argue
9.
In old English, what did 'methinks' mean?
A
I remember
B
My thoughts exactly
C
It seems to me
D
I thought twice
10.
What does the archaic word 'whence' mean?
A
From where
B
How come
C
Why so
D
When did it happen
11.
If someone was called a 'knave,' what were they?
A
A tradesman
B
A knight
C
A young scholar
D
A dishonest person
12.
What does the old word 'hither' mean?
A
Over there
B
In the past
C
Higher up
D
To this place
13.
What did the word 'perchance' mean?
A
By accident
B
Perhaps
C
Absolutely
D
By luck
14.
If someone spoke of 'the morrow,' what were they referring to?
A
The morning or next day
B
A celebration
C
A burial ground
D
Sadness
15.
What does the archaic word 'verily' mean?
A
Beautifully
B
With great speed
C
Truly or certainly
D
Very nearly

Answer Key

Question 1

D. In truth

Question 2

B. Healthy and strong

Question 3

A. Fourteen nights

Question 4

C. Soon or shortly

Question 5

C. Before

Question 6

B. I pray thee (please)

Question 7

C. In between

Question 8

C. To linger or wait

Question 9

C. It seems to me

Question 10

A. From where

Question 11

D. A dishonest person

Question 12

D. To this place

Question 13

B. Perhaps

Question 14

A. The morning or next day

Question 15

C. Truly or certainly

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