ABSTRACT
Transgressive language in both medieval drama and medieval society may be defined as language which was subject to constraint but nevertheless in some cases exceeded the limits of that constraint. This chapter sets out the social constraints on language, as these are revealed by a number of crucial medieval sermons and laws, in order to define the social significance of language. By comparing the condemnation of transgressive language in the sermons and laws with the punishments meted out for its misuse. And with the use of language in drama, the chapter reveals that language used in drama differs from similar language used in society in the responses it produces. In medieval society ecclesiastical and secular laws governed the use of language. This chapter reveals that theological and legal definitions of transgressive language provide an important social context for interpreting such language when it is used in drama, and shows that responses to its use in drama in society.
