Medieval Literature

noun a person who writes or sells ballads, especially of a trivial or inferior quality

• The balladmonger was known for his ability to write emotional and heartfelt songs.
• I heard that the balladmonger is performing at the local pub tonight.
• That balladmonger sure knows how to tug at the heartstrings with his music.
• In the world of politics, some may see lobbyists as modern-day balladmongers, using persuasive language to sway opinions.

noun a musical form popular in the 16th and 17th centuries

• The poet composed a beautiful rondeau for the royal court.
• I'm trying my hand at writing a rondeau for fun.
• Have you heard that new rondeau that's been going around?
• The intricate dance of the planets could be likened to a cosmic rondeau.

adjective relating to or characteristic of the works of Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet known for his Divine Comedy

• The poet's use of Dantean imagery in his work reflects his deep admiration for the Italian writer.
• I never really understood the Dantean references in that book, but it sounded cool.
• That party was straight up Dantean, with all the drama and chaos going on.
• Her journey through the difficult times was like a Dantean descent into hell, but she emerged stronger in the end.

noun books, pamphlets, or broadsides that were printed before the year 1501

• The library's collection includes rare incunabula dating back to the 15th century.
• I found some really old books, like incunabula, at the antique store.
• Check out these ancient incunabula books I scored at the thrift shop!
• The discovery of the ancient manuscript was like finding literary incunabula.