Frederick James Furnivall was a British philologist, bibliographer, and lexicographer who is best known for his contributions to the study of English language and literature. In terms of synonyms, he could also be referred to as a linguist, etymologist, lexicologist, language scholar, or literary historian. Furnivall was a prominent figure in the 19th-century scholarship scene, and his work revolutionized the study of Middle English and early English literature. Alongside his contemporaries, he discovered and edited rare manuscripts, compiled dictionaries, and founded scholarly societies. Despite being a contentious figure in his time, Furnivall's contributions have cemented his place in the annals of English language scholarship.