1. Almagest: The book of Ptolemy the astronomer, which
formed the canon of astrological science in the middle ages.
2. Astrolabe: “Astrelagour,” “astrelabore”; a mathematical
instrument for taking the altitude of the sun or stars.
3. “Augrim” is a corruption of algorithm, the Arabian term for
numeration; “augrim stones,” therefore were probably marked
with numerals, and used as counters.
4. Angelus ad virginem: The Angel’s salutation to Mary; Luke i.
28. It was the “Ave Maria” of the Catholic Church service.
5. Cato: Though Chaucer may have referred to the famous
Censor, more probably the reference is merely to the “Moral
Distichs,” which go under his name, though written after his
time; and in a supplement to which the quoted passage may be
found.
6. Barm-cloth: apron; from Anglo-Saxon “barme,” bosom or
lap.
7. Volupere: Head-gear, kerchief; from French, “envelopper,”
to wrap up.