Pardoner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pardoner
[ˈpɑːrdənər ]
Definition
historical context
A pardoner is a person in the medieval Church who was authorized to sell pardons, or indulgences, to the faithful. These pardons were thought to reduce punishment for sins in the afterlife, allowing individuals to absolve their wrongdoings through payment. Pardoners were often seen as dubious figures, exploiting the fears of the people regarding sin and salvation. They commonly traveled from town to town, carrying relics and promoting their pardoning services. Their practices contributed to the criticism of the Church during the Reformation.
Synonyms
absolution merchant, indulgence seller.
Examples of usage
- The pardoner preached about the benefits of his indulgences.
- Historically, many pardoners were accused of being corrupt.
- In Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', the pardoner is a pivotal character.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Old French word 'pardoner,' which means 'to grant forgiveness.'
- During the Middle Ages, pardoners sold indulgences, which were pieces of paper claiming to lessen punishment for sins.
- Many famous tales involve pardoners, especially Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' which critiqued their practices.
Literature
- 'The Canterbury Tales' features a Pardoner whose greed and deceit reflect the corruption within the church of that era.
- In medieval times, literary works often portrayed pardoners as tricksters, highlighting themes of morality and redemption.
- The role of a pardoner has inspired various characters in modern literature, reflecting moral dilemmas and human flaws.
Religion
- Pardoners operated under the authority of the church, claiming to have the power to absolve sins, which stirred controversy and debate.
- Indulgences sold by pardoners were eventually denounced by reformers like Martin Luther, leading to the Protestant Reformation.
- Despite their controversial role, pardoners were often seen as a means for people to achieve peace of mind regarding their spiritual state.
Cultural Reflections
- The concept of a pardoner can be found in various cultures, where figures serve to mediate forgiveness and atonement.
- In contemporary discussions, the idea of 'forgiveness' extends beyond religion into societal contexts, where individuals seek personal redemption.
- Movies and books often depict characters that embody the essence of a pardoner, exploring themes of guilt, forgiveness, and moral choices.
Origin of 'pardoner'
The term 'pardoner' derives from the Old French word 'pardoner', which means 'to pardon' or 'to forgive'. This, in turn, has roots in the Latin 'pardonare', composed of 'par-' meaning 'through' and 'donare' meaning 'to give'. In the context of the medieval Catholic Church, the concept of pardon was tied closely to the selling of indulgences, a practice that was heavily critiqued during the 16th century Reformation. Famous works, such as Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales', depict the role of the pardoner, illustrating the social and religious dynamics of the time. The image of the pardoner has since become symbolic of the corruption and moral decay within ecclesiastical institutions, leading to debates about the legitimacy of such practices and the ethical implications of selling spiritual forgiveness.