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Pronunciation of "Pertelote" from 'Canterbury Tales'?

What is the correct phonetic pronunciation of the name of the hen "Pertelote" from the 'Nun's Priest's Tale' in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales'?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It is pronounced Per-ta-lote (rhymes with tote).

  • 7 years ago

    This is actually incorrect. Chaucer used Middle English, and this answer is using the rules of Modern English. In the former a final e is pronounced except when followed by a vowel, h or w. Throte above does not therefore sound like throat, but throata. Likewise, Pertelote would usually sound something more like Pear-ta-loat-a.

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