"Of katapuce, or of gaitrys beryis" - The Nun's Priest's Tale
"Gaitrys beryis" is the herb rhamus, also used as a laxative.
"A Goddes kechyl, or a trip of chese" - The Summoner's Tale
A "Goddes kechyl" was triangular in shape (in symbolism of the Trinity) and was given away as charity.
"Three keen, and eek a sheep that highte Malle." - The Nun's Priest's Tale
"Of paramours he sette nat a kers" - The Miller's Tale
However, Chaucer is not referring to the actual plant in this quotation; rather, the relative insignificance of cress led to the usage of the word as meaning "a trifling or unimportant thing," which is what Chaucer implies here.
Chaucer's Foods
© James L. Matterer
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