NOWELIS, a word derived from English "Nowell," or Christmas, is used by John the carpenter to designate Noah. Skeat (V: 111-112) suggests that the carpenter has confused Noë with Noël or Nowell, a sign of his illiteracy.

The carpenter, on hearing Nicholas's cries for water, thinks: "Alas, now comes Nowelis flood," MillT 3818. Alison and Nicholas tell the neighbors that John was much afraid of "Nowelis" flood through fantasy, MillT 3831-3834.