Note 555
The Reeve’s Tale.
Arab. "Su'úd," an Alpinia with pungent rhizome like ginger; here used as a counter-odour.
… so it be,” he replied, "and needs must I eat of it, I will not do so except I wash my hand forty times with soap, forty times with potash and forty times with galangale,[FN#555] the total being one hundred and twenty washings." Thereupon the hospitable host bade his slaves bring water and whatso he required; and the young man washed his hand as afore mentioned. Then he sat down, as if disgusted and frightened withal, and dipp…
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