gnof

Middle English

Etymology

Compare Saterland Frisian Knuf (“lump”).

Noun

gnof

1. (hapax) churl; curmudgeon
   • 1387–1400, [Geoffrey] Chaucer, “The Millerẏs Tale”, in The Tales of Caunt́bury (Hengwrt Chaucer; Peniarth Manuscript 392D), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion: National Library of Wales, published [c. 1400–1410], →OCLC, folio 42, recto, lines 3187-3188:

     Whilom ther was dwellyng in Oxenfoꝛd / A riche gnof that geſtes heeld to boꝛd

     Once there was living in Oxford / A rich churl who took in guests as boarders.