* "Old English" is a broad term: It refers to the language spoken in England roughly from the 5th to the 12th centuries. By Shakespeare's time (16th and 17th centuries), English had undergone significant evolution, and many "Old English" words were no longer in common use.
* Words change over time: Words can be adopted, disappear, or change meaning. What we consider "Old English" today may have been considered "Middle English" during Shakespeare's era.
* No definitive list exists: There is no comprehensive dictionary detailing every word Shakespeare used and its origin.
However, we can say that Shakespeare did use some words with Old English roots:
* Common vocabulary: Many core English words still in use today have Old English origins. These would have been part of Shakespeare's everyday vocabulary.
* Archaic words: He also used some words that were archaic even in his time, chosen for their specific poetic or dramatic effect. These might be considered more "Old English" in nature.
Focus on "Influence" rather than "Numbers":
It's more important to understand how the influence of Old English permeated Shakespeare's language. He built upon the existing vocabulary, incorporating older words into a newer, more flexible English. This gave his writing a richness and depth that continues to fascinate us today.