Devil in a Blue Dress Glossary

Glossary of Terms

Battle of the Bulge

Officially called the Battle of the Ardennes by the United States Army, the Battle of the Bulge is one of the most famous and bloody events of World War II. It began on December 16, 1944 in the Ardennes Forest. Allied forces detected no warning of the coming attack and were badly disabled by the extreme cold. In the end, the Germans failed to achieve their goals but put a major dent, or "bulge," in Allied lines. Tens of thousands of soldiers on each side died during the battle.

bootleg

Liquor procured and sold illegally, without government authorization or regulation. Frank Green makes a living hijacking shipments of alcohol and delivering the bootleg to local businesses.

Invasion of Normandy

On June 6, 1944, the Allied forces executed a large-scale invasion of the European continent. Troops landed on the beaches of the province of Normandy in Northern France. It was this invasion that lead directly to the fall of the Third Reich.

Negro

A now-antiquated term for a black, or African American, person.

palsied

Partially paralyzed and/or unable to control one's muscles. Palsy is characterized by uncontrollable shaking or tremors.

pimp

One who makes a living by soliciting business for, and often controlling the actions of, prostitutes.

pistol-whip

To beat someone with a pistol, usually on the head and/or shoulders.

sharecropper

A tenant farmer who gives a share of his crops to a landlord instead of paying rent.

speakeasy

A business that sells alcohol illegally. The term originated during Prohibition, but endured afterwards. John's place is an example of a speakeasy.

tactile

Of or relating to the sense of touch.