lollard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare/archaichistorical/archaic/academic
Quick answer
What does “lollard” mean?
A member of an English religious reform movement in the 14th–15th centuries, critical of the established Catholic Church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an English religious reform movement in the 14th–15th centuries, critical of the established Catholic Church.
Any follower of John Wycliffe; a heretic or religious dissenter, particularly one advocating for vernacular scriptures and clerical reform.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in contemporary use, as the term is archaic. It appears primarily in historical texts about England, which may be slightly more frequent in UK academic contexts.
Connotations
Historical dissenter, precursor to Protestant Reformation, heretic (in medieval context).
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in general language. Used almost exclusively by historians and in literature about medieval England.
Grammar
How to Use “lollard” in a Sentence
[be/label/condemn] + as + a LollardVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lollard” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Lollard critique of transubstantiation was deemed heretical.
American English
- He was investigated for possessing Lollard pamphlets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or literary studies regarding late medieval England.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Specific term in historiography for followers of John Wycliffe.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lollard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lollard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lollard”
- Using it as a contemporary insult (archaic).
- Misspelling as 'loller' or 'lollerd'.
- Confusing Lollards with later Protestant groups like Puritans.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic, historical term. You will only encounter it in texts about medieval English history or religion.
Lollards were a pre-Reformation movement (14th-15th century). Protestants emerged in the 16th century. Lollards are considered forerunners or precursors to Protestant ideas.
No, it was originally a derogatory nickname applied by their opponents, meaning something like 'mumbler' or 'idler'.
Only in a deliberate, metaphorical, or poetic sense to draw a historical parallel. In standard usage, it would be incorrect and confusing.
A member of an English religious reform movement in the 14th–15th centuries, critical of the established Catholic Church.
Lollard is usually historical/archaic/academic in register.
Lollard: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒləd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːlərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LOLLard LOLLs its tongue at the established Church (a playful, dissenting action).
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS DISSENT IS DEVIATION FROM THE PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, the term 'Lollard' is primarily: