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Multiple Armes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2020

Harry F. Williams
Harry F. Williams*
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin
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Extract

In a number of mediaeval texts we find the word paire in expressions where the precise meaning is uncertain. The editors or translators of these texts have, either through ignorance or through indifference, frequently treated the expression in an off-hand manner. Two previous articles have attempted explanations of the word paire. It is my intention to point out inadequacies in these articles, and to examine further material in support of a more precise conclusion.

Information

Type
Comment and Criticism
Information
PMLA , Volume 60 , Issue 2 , June 1945 , pp. 598 - 601
Copyright
Copyright © Modern Language Association of America, 1945

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References

Note 1 in page 598 To quote but one of many examples: Paul Meyer in his edition of Flamenca (Paris, 1901) defines pareilz as paire, yet this meaning cannot apply to all the examples in the work, if indeed to any of them. W. A. Bradley translates (Flamenca [N. Y., 1922), v. 412) V pareilz de vestimentas as “500 suits of raiment.”

Note 2 in page 598 Revue des Langues Romanes, xxix, 133–142.

Note 3 in page 598 The Oxford Dictionary (cf. pair) supports his argument, but here again there is no mediaeval textual quotation to fix a meaning for paire d'armes.

Note 4 in page 598 Some references of Revillout contain many inconclusive examples. I might add that the reference (p. 138, note 3) to the Cent Nouvelles Nouvelles is incorrect. I fail to find it anywhere.

Note 5 in page 598 MLN, xxix (1934), 32–34. Mr. Ham drew my attention to Revillout's article while supervising my doctoral thesis at the University of Michigan. Mr. Ham likewise suggested that I reopen this whole question and has been of invaluable aid in the preparation of this paper.

Note 6 in page 598 Roman de Waldef, vv. 13975–84; Aliscans (ed. Wienbeck et al.), vv. 6673–75; Pèlerinage de Charlemagne (ed. Koschwitz), vv. 453–464; citations in Ausgab. u. Abh., xlviii (p. 15), lxix (§§149, 150, 203, 265), lxx (§§4, 24, 107).

Note 7 in page 599 Both Revillout and the Oxford Dictionary support satisfactorily the fact that paire could involve a series of items not necessarily limited to just two. Cotgrave lists: trois faires de nopces, une paire de Heures, une paire de Pseaumes. As for paire d'armes meaning doubles armes, some of the examples cited by Tobler-Lommatzsch under doblier lend some support to this interpretation.

Note 8 in page 599 Zifar (ed. C. P. Wagner, Ann Arbor, 1929), 97.26: Un par de paños. Don Quixote, pt. i, chap. 51: diez pares de vestidos. Libro de Alixandre (ed. A. Morel-Fatio, Dresden, 1906), 2113: Todos los Instrumentes que vsan los juglares … De todos auie ally tres o quatro pares. For these references I am indebted to Professor Charles P. Wagner of the University of Michigan. In French the following may be noted: Joufrois (ed. Streng-Renkonen, Turku, 1930), v. 906; Eneas (ed. J. J. Salverda de Grave, CFMA, 1925), vv. 889–901; Erec et Enide (ed. Foerster), vv. 6664–65; Flamenca (ed. P. Meyer, Paris, 1901), v. 412; Guillaume de Dole (ed. Servois, SATF, 1893), vv. 1089–90, 1917; Floriant et Florete (ed. F. Michel, Edinburgh, 1873), vv. 1171–72; Amis et Amiles (ed. K. Hofmann, Erlangen, 1882), vv. 3092–93; J than et Blonde (ed. H. Suchier, SATF, 1885), vv. 5888–89. Joinville (ed. de Wailly, Paris, 1885), §§139, 572. Les Cent Ballades (ed. G. Raynaud, SATF, 1905), p. 214, vv. 27–28. Cf. also Godefroy x, 257c.

Note 9 in page 599 P. Rajna, Romania, iii (1874), 55.

Note 10 in page 600 Ed. Foerster, “Gesellschaft für Rom. Lit.,” Bd. 19 (Dresden, 1908), vv. 5273–6766.