Words related to social hierarchy and status:
* Gentleman: While we still use "gentleman," the meaning has shifted. In Elizabethan times, it referred specifically to someone of noble birth, not just a well-mannered man.
* Yeoman: This term referred to a freeholder, someone who owned their own land and was not a tenant.
* Churl: This word referred to a peasant or someone of low social status.
Words related to clothing and fashion:
* Hosen: These were breeches or pants worn by men.
* Ruff: This was a large, stiff collar worn by men and women.
* Farthingale: A large, padded hoop skirt worn by women.
Words related to daily life and activities:
* Sconce: This was a type of candlestick or lamp.
* Mop: This was a term for a head covering, not the cleaning tool we know today.
* Wimple: A type of head covering worn by women.
Words related to language and literature:
* Conceit: In Elizabethan times, this word meant a clever or witty idea, not an arrogant opinion.
* Sonnet: While we still use this word, its original meaning referred to a specific type of poem.
* Blank verse: This term for unrhymed iambic pentameter was considered innovative in Shakespeare's time.
Other obsolete words:
* Anent: meaning "concerning" or "regarding."
* Hap: meaning "chance" or "luck."
* Hark: meaning "listen" or "pay attention."
* Whilom: meaning "formerly" or "once."
It's important to remember that even words considered obsolete might reappear in new contexts. The English language is constantly evolving, and what's considered archaic today could become commonplace tomorrow.
For a more comprehensive list of Elizabethan words and their meanings, you can consult dictionaries of historical English or specialized resources on Elizabethan literature.