French Useful Vocabulary: The Middle Age & Medieval Life

Today, we’re stepping into our time machine and dialing it back a good few centuries, all the way to the Medieval period. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of chivalry, of towering castles and roaring tournaments, of kings and queens, knights and serfs. Why, you ask? Because the Middle Ages, a period of history that is both fascinating and complex, is our destination in today’s language journey.

Here are French words that are essential for discussing this remarkable era. Whether you’re a history buff, a language learner, or simply a lover of all things French, this list will serve as a great addition to your vocabulary.

Mastering these words will not only help you in conversations related to this historical era, but they will also provide a deeper understanding of certain aspects of French culture, literature, and art that are steeped in Medieval history.

So without further ado, let’s draw the drawbridge and step into the grand castle of Medieval French vocabulary!

1. A Castle – Un château
2. A Knight – Un chevalier
3. A King – Un roi
4. A Queen – Une reine
5. A Prince – Un prince
6. A Princess – Une princesse
7. A Joust – Une joute
8. An Armor – Une armure
9. A Sword – Une épée
10. A Shield – Un bouclier
11. A Monarch – Un monarque
12. A Serf – Un serf
13. A Peasant – Un paysan
14. A Fief – Un fief
15. A Vassal – Un vassal
16. A Manor – Un manoir
17. A Court – Une cour
18. A Tournament – Un tournoi
19. The Crusades – Les croisades
20. Chivalry – La chevalerie
21. Heraldry – L’héraldique
22. Feudalism – La féodalité
23. A Church – Une église
24. A Monk – Un moine
25. A Nun – Une nonne
26. A Cathedral – Une cathédrale
27. A Monastery – Un monastère
28. A Pilgrimage – Un pèlerinage
29. A Chapel – Une chapelle
30. A Bishop – Un évêque
31. A Parchment – Un parchemin
32. A Scribe – Un scribe
33. A Manuscript – Un manuscrit
34. The Plague – La peste
35. A Siege – Un siège
36. A Banner – Une bannière
37. A Jester – Un bouffon
38. A Minstrel – Un ménestrel
39. A Guild – Une guilde
40. A Tapestry – Une tapisserie
41. A Gargoyle – Une gargouille
42. A Drawbridge – Un pont-levis
43. A Moat – Une douve
44. A Dungeon – Un donjon
45. An Archer – Un archer
46. A Trebuchet – Un trébuchet
47. A Blacksmith – Un forgeron
48. A Tunic – Une tunique
49. A Friar – Un frère
50. A Crusader – Un croisé