What does "goliard" mean?
A wandering student of the 12th or 13th century, whose convivial lifestyle included minstrelsy and a typical satirical Latin poetry.
Goliard
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A wandering student of the 12th or 13th century, whose convivial lifestyle included minstrelsy and a typical satirical Latin poetry.
- Grammar: goliard is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: drifter, floater, flying dutchman, gad.
- Usage evidence: 1951, F. Brittain, The Mediaeval Latin and Romance Lyric to A.D. 1300, 2nd Edition, Reprinted 2009, page 16, The Goliard, indeed, can be regarded as a sub-species of the jongleur, and evidence exists that the personnel of the two classes was to some extent interchangeable. […] The anonymous Goliard known as the Archpoet⁽¹¹⁸⁾ was of higher social standing than most of his confreres and, as a poet, one of the greatest of his class.
How to use "goliard"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "goliard" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "goliard" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "goliard" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "goliard" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "drifter" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A wandering student of the 12th or 13th century, whose convivial lifestyle included minstrelsy and a typical satirical Latin poetry. historical
"1951, F. Brittain, The Mediaeval Latin and Romance Lyric to A.D. 1300, 2nd Edition, Reprinted 2009, page 16, The Goliard, indeed, can be regarded as a sub-species of the jongleur, and evidence exists that the personnel of the two classes was to some extent interchangeable. […] The anonymous Goliard known as the Archpoet⁽¹¹⁸⁾ was of higher social standing than most of his confreres and, as a poet, one of the greatest of his class."
- 2 Alternative form of Goliard. alt-of, alternative
- 3 a wandering scholar in medieval Europe; famed for intemperance and riotous behavior and the composition of satirical and ribald Latin songs wordnet
Example
"1951, F. Brittain, The Mediaeval Latin and Romance Lyric to A.D. 1300, 2nd Edition, Reprinted 2009, page 16, The Goliard, indeed, can be regarded as a sub-species of the jongleur, and evidence exists that the personnel of the two classes was to some extent interchangeable. […] The anonymous Goliard known as the Archpoet⁽¹¹⁸⁾ was of higher social standing than most of his confreres and, as a poet, one of the greatest of his class."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "goliard"?
Common synonyms include: drifter, floater, flying dutchman, gad, gadabout, itinerant.
How do you use "goliard" in a sentence?
1951, F. Brittain, The Mediaeval Latin and Romance Lyric to A.D. 1300, 2nd Edition, Reprinted 2009, page 16, The Goliard, indeed, can be regarded as a sub-species of the jongleur, and evidence exists that the personnel of the two classes was to some extent interchangeable. […] The anonymous Goliard known as the Archpoet⁽¹¹⁸⁾ was of higher social standing than most of his confreres and, as a poet, one of the greatest of his class.
Etymology
Uncertain, possibly from Old French goliard (“glutton”); compare Italian goliardo (“university student”).