Replete with arcane references, unfamiliar expressions, and words of his own invention, Shakespeare's texts can intimidate even the most learned reader. From the adjective "acerb" in Othello to the verb "zwaggered" in King Lear, this revised and updated edition contains approximately 17,000 definitions, more than 2,000 of which are new. It also features a new introductory chapter "Introduction to Shakespeare and His Language," which provides essential background information on Shakespeare's life and an in-depth discussion of how modern readers can approach his works in order best to understand and enjoy them.Words defined include geographical references, historical and mythological figures, and foreign-language terms. Shakespeare's Language, Second Edition is a comprehensive and straightforward guide to the vocabulary of the world's greatest writer.