Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
The fact that the rooms in John's attic have locks on their doors is a sign that John is affluent; such locks were uncommon and were considered the "latest thing." (Source)
One of the tubs John acquires to hang from his rafters, the "kymelyn," is a round barrel used for brewing beer. (Source)
The "trewe-love" Absolon puts under his tongue before he goes to court Alisoun is also called the "Herb Paris" ("herb of a pair" in Latin) and is a narcotic. (Source)