Bastard Out of Carolina

Bastard Out of Carolina Glossary

alcove

A small, recessed section in a larger room

brusquely

In an abrupt or blunt manner

chifforobe

A piece of furniture with both a cabinet tall enough for hanging clothes and a chest of drawers

chow-chow

A pickled relish containing tomatoes, onions and other vegetables, common in the American South and Appalachia

condemned

When in reference to a building, declared unfit for use or service

cow grid

A man-made obstacle used to prevent cows from wandering. It usually consists of several metal bars covering a depression in the road, spaced widely enough so that the animals' legs will fall through if they try to cross over it.

crinoline

A stiffened petticoat designed to add shape to a dress

eaves

The bottom edge of a roof, which often overhangs the walls of the structure

gingham

A mid-weight, inexpensive checked fabric often used for clothing

harrumph

To noisily clear ones throat

layette

A set of clothing for a new-born infant

notions

Small objects and accessories

organdy

A sheer, stiff cotton fabric commonly used for summer dresses.

sheen

A soft shine or lustre

spindly

Thin or flimsy

talisman

An item imbued with magical or sacred properties

teetotaler

Someone who abstains from alcohol and who may advocate that others do similarly

tooled

to be impressed onto a surface, usually leather

Wandering Jew

A species of climbing vine with small blue flowers

wringer

A press with two rollers used to squeeze excess water from laundry