Bob and wheel are two literary terms that are commonly used in poetry. These terms are often seen in Middle English poetry, particularly in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bob and wheel, their origin, and their significance in literature.
Definitions
Bob and wheel are two technical terms used in Middle English poetry. A “bob” is a short line or stanza that appears at the end of a longer stanza. A “wheel” is a longer stanza that follows the bob. The wheel is typically longer than the bob and often rhymes with it.
Origin
The use of bob and wheel in poetry dates back to the Middle Ages. The term “bob” comes from the Old French word “bube,” which means “cluster.” The term “wheel” comes from the Old English word “hweol,” which means “wheel.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, the definition of bob and wheel is “a short line or stanza followed by a longer one, often rhyming with the first.” In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bob and wheel are defined as “a short line or stanza followed by a longer one, often rhyming with the first, used especially in Middle English poetry.”
Associations
Bob and wheel are commonly associated with Middle English poetry, particularly the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. They are also associated with the use of rhyme and meter in poetry.
Synonyms
There are no direct synonyms for bob and wheel, but they can be described as a form of rhyme or stanza in poetry.
Antonyms
The antonyms of bob and wheel would be free verse or prose, which do not follow a set rhyme or meter.
The same root words
The root words of bob and wheel are “bube” and “hweol,” respectively. These words have evolved over time to become the terms we use today.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that demonstrate the use of bob and wheel in poetry:
- “The bob and wheel structure is commonly used in Middle English poetry.”
- “Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’ features many examples of bob and wheel.”
- “The bob and wheel adds a musical quality to the poem.”