In the Time of the Butterflies Glossary

Glossary of Terms

bandidos

outlaws, bandits

barrio

a division of a city

bruit

to spread a rumor

brujo

sorcerer

cacao

a small, tropical tree cultivated for its seeds, which are the source of chocolate

calmante

a drug used as a tranquilizer to calm the nerves

ceiba

a silk-cotton tree

cortege

a ceremonial procession

gavilleros

the Dominican word for rural bandits

guayabera

a sport shirt or lightweight jacket

hellion

a disorderly or mischievous person

la bendicion

"the blessing," a way to say goodbye

m'ija

a combination of the words "mi hija," meaning "my daughter"

mantilla

a lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high comb

mariposas

butterflies, the nickname of the Mirabal sisters as revolutionaries, since it was Minerva's codename

novios

boyfriends

pastelitos

savory pastries

patriomonio

heritage; patrimony

pega palo

stick glue

sancocho

a traditional Dominican soup

sarampion

measles

tutumpotes

members of the old ruling families

yucca

a plant with sword-shaped leaves and clusters of waxy, white flowers, native to warm regions in America