1. Wandering medieval clerics or scholars, often of lower orders, known for writing satirical Latin verse and living unconventionally.
Usage: archaic; historical; plural form; singular is 'goliard'

Examples

• The goliards of the 12th and 13th centuries produced witty, irreverent poetry that mocked the Church.
• Medieval goliards traveled from town to town, performing songs and reciting verses.
• Scholars study the works of the goliards to understand medieval intellectual culture.
• The goliards were often criticized by Church authorities for their satirical writings.