Cathedral Glossary

Glossary of Terms

Birds of Paradise

A tropical Australasian bird with colorful plumage. Used to describe a variety of birds, including peacocks.

Bridle

The headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached.

Buttresses

Support beams used to hold a cathedral ceiling up.

Cannabis

The plant from which marijuana is extracted

Canned

Colloquial word for being fired from a job.

Conniving

Conspire to do something considered immoral, illegal, or harmful.

Contrôleur

French word for train official/controller

Drying-out Facility

A colloquial phrase for an alcoholics rehab facility.

Freon

A chemical refrigerant solvent used to produce cooling in appliances, like refrigerators or air-conditioners.

Fresco

A painting done on walls or ceilings, very popular in European painting.

Glucose

A simple sugar, sometimes used to replenish sugar in sick patients.

Hairline Fracture

A fracture without separation of the fragments; a very thin fracture.

Malign

Evil in nature or effect

Neurologist

A medical specialist in the nervous system and the disorders affecting it.

Occlusion

The blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ.

Pap smear

A medical screening test used to detect possibly cancerous processes in the female reproductive system.

Peat bog

Wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation, with poorer drainage than a swamp.

Pleasantries

Remarks made in polite conversation

Plumes

A long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers on a bird or worn for ornament.

Radiology

The science of X-rays and other high end radiation

Scuttle

Run hurriedly or furtively with short quick steps

Shakes

A slang term for the delirium tremens, a psychotic condition typical of withdrawal in chronic alcoholics, involving tremors, hallucinations, anxiety, and disorientation.

Spade

A relatively rare racial slur for African-Americans.