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“Take thou the bill”
Double Meaning
Act 4,
Scene 3
Lines 142-149

An explanation of Grumio’s double meaning on “bill” in Act 4, Scene 3 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Grumio

Error i' th’ bill, sir; error i' th’ bill. I commanded
the sleeves should be cut out and sewed up again, and
that I'll prove upon thee, though thy little finger be     
armed in a thimble.

Tailor

This is true that I say, an I had thee in place where,     
thou shouldst know it.    

Grumio

I am for thee straight. Take thou the bill, give me     
thy mete-yard, and spare not me.    

The bill could be either

  1. the document placing the order.
  2. a weapon consisting of an axe blade attached to a long pole.