Quote:
Originally Posted by Balbus
The correct meaning of "malkin" (as used by Shakespeare) is "a slut or sloven".
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They did mention the slattern meaning in the programme.
'Sh-it heap' was more a descriptive translation of the dwelling Malkin Tower, rather than a literal one.
Malkin is first recorded as being used in literature by Chaucer, long before Shakespeare's time.
Malkin \Mal"kin\, n. [Dim. of Maud, the proper name. Cf.
Grimalkin.] [Written also
maukin.] 1. Originally, a kitchenmaid; a slattern. --Chaucer. 2. A mop made of clouts, used by the kitchen servant. 3. A scarecrow. [Prov. Eng.] 4. (Mil.) A mop or sponge attached to a jointed staff for swabbing out a cannon.
Article: Chaucer's 'Malkin' and Dafydd AP Gwilym's 'Mald y Cwd.' | AccessMyLibrary - Promoting library advocacy