Pardoner: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

At position #40,378, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 40375 cadge
• 40376 tromping
• 40377 budgerigar
• 40378 pardoner
• 40379 mosh
• 40380 jouncing
• 40381 befoul
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