Brewer's: Thopas

(Sir). Native of Poperyng in Flanders; a capital sportsman, archer, wrestler, and runner. He resolved to marry no one but an “elf queen,” and set out for fairy-land. On his way he met the three-headed giant Olifaunt, who challenged him to single combat. Sir Thopas got permission to go back for his armour, and promised to meet him next day. Here mine host interrupts the narrative as “intolerable nonsense,” and the “rime” is left unfinished.

An elf queen wo! I have, I wis, For in this world no woman is Worthy to be my mate.

Chaucer: Rime of Sir Thopas.

Related Content Allusions Foreign Words and Phrases Latin and Greek Word Elements Names: Their Origins and Meanings Old Testament Names Mythology Ancient Greek Literature & Mythology The Bible (King James version) The Koran (translation by J. M. Rodwell) Shakespeare's Plays Tales from Shakespeare (Charles and Mary Lamb) Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language