The Summoner is a church official who summons accused sinners before the archdeacon's or bishop's court. He is a lecherous man with an ugly skin disease. He eats garlic and drinks strong wine. He would not refuse to be bribed and overlook a sinner's misdeed. He is closely related to all young girls of the diocese, as he knows everything about their moral behaviour. He wears a garland and a cake-buckler.

Home > Navigation > Authors > Geoffrey Chaucer > Works > Canterbury Tales > Pilgrims > Miniatures > The Summoner