Castle & Medieval Life Vocabulary

The world of castles and medieval life is full of fascinating words that might sound strange—or even a little mysterious—to modern ears. From the essential tools of defense to the everyday items found in a noble’s chambers, each term carries a story from a time when knights roamed, lords ruled, and life was very different from today.

This Castle & Medieval Life Vocabulary is your quick reference to some of the most intriguing words from the Middle Ages. Whether you’re reading a historical novel, visiting a castle, or exploring history through our blog, you’ll be able to recognize and appreciate these terms with ease. And as you journey through the past with us, we’ll keep adding new entries to grow this living dictionary.

Garderobe
A medieval toilet, usually a small room built into the castle walls, with a hole leading directly outside or into the moat.

Gong Farmer
A worker tasked with cleaning out cesspits and latrines in castles and towns—often working at night due to the smell.

Pomander
A small container filled with aromatic herbs, spices, or flowers, carried or worn to mask unpleasant odors and ward off disease.