Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice Glossary

barouche-box

a type of horse-drawn carriage that was fashionable in the 19th century

circumspection

the quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks; prudence

dissipation

squandering of money, energy, or resources

entail

a settlement of the inheritance of property over a number of generations so that it remains within a family or other group; in the case of the novel, the Longbourn estate is entailed so that it always stays within the male line

ineffectual

not producing any or the desired effect

livery

special uniform worn by a servant or official

Michaelmas

the feast of St. Michael, September 29

obsequiousness

the quality of being characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference

officiousness

the quality of telling others what to do without solicitation

ordination

the action of ordaining or conferring holy orders on someone

ostentatious

showy or flamboyant

panegyric

a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something

parsonage

a church house provided for a member of the clergy

pecuniary

of, relating to, or consisting of money

phaeton

a light, open, four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage

querulous

whiny or complaining

regiment

a permanent unit of an army typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies, squadrons, or batteries - and often separated into two battalions

solicitude

care or concern for someone or something

steward

one who manages or looks after another's property

toilette

the process of washing oneself, dressing, and attending to one's appearance